Virtual reality applied to a full simulator of electrical sub-stations

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Abstract

This paper presents an application designed to train electrical sub-station operators by means of a virtual reality environment.

The application allows full viewing of any of the sub-stations in the power supply network. With the appropriate hardware (HMD, 3D mouse and tracking systems) it is possible to navigate into the virtual world and interact with the elements.

Each of the sub-station components has been reproduced in the simulation model, including the behavior laws associated with it, so the complete functionality of the sub-station can be simulated.

This module is built into a larger and more complex computer system composed of the actual sub-station control system, the Geographical Information System which defines the topology of the network, and the functional system which simulates the electrical behavior of the sub-station.

The application automatically updates in the virtual environment any changes to the sub-station's design and allows access, from this environment, to information on every component.

The virtual reality application has been implemented in a hardware configuration and has the same interface as that used in the control system of the real sub-station. In this way, the system developed can be integrated into a replica of the complete power supply network control system emulating a real sub-station, it being able to fully interact with the global system, and allow totally real situations to be simulated.

Introduction

In order to properly simulate a virtual world, technologies such as realistic graphics and dynamic simulation with real-time calculations must be used [1]. Peripherals must be used for the system to interact with the user. Immersion comes as a result of stimuli to sight, hearing and touch [2]. It is possible, therefore, to produce immersion in the system by providing visual, tactile and acoustic feedback to the user.

One of the most common applications of virtual reality lies in simulator development. Simulators can be defined as information systems which reliably reproduce specific phenomena [3], [4]. Simulators are mainly used in training [5], although their field of application has grown to include manufacturing [6] and medicine [7] among others.

An additional issue, also related to computing performance, is dynamic simulation. The idea is to reproduce the actual physical behavior by applying the equations governing the simulated system [8]. A critical factor is the possibility to solve the equations in real-time, that is, there should be no delay compared to the normal environment's response. There is an important amount of effort being directed to these objectives [9].

This paper deals with the development of an operation simulator for training. The fundamental objective is to develop a simulator for operations at electrical sub-stations. There already exist at least partial implementations of virtual reality based simulators for large installations such as nuclear or petrochemical plants. There are also various applications based on electrical sub-station simulators. [10], [11].

The application has been designed by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid for Unión Fenosa, one of the main electrical companies in Spain.

Section snippets

Objectives

The fundamental objective is to develop a simulator for operations at electrical sub-stations. These types of operations, especially when performed manually or during maintenance, can be considered high-risk activities for the people performing them. Therefore, the use of simulators for training can be particularly beneficial.

Aimed at giving the simulator the highest possible degree of realism, it has been equipped with the following features:

  • To be able to closely represent an electrical

Integration of BDI and VR

The Installations Database (BDI) and the virtual reality application (VR) are integrated. The scope of this integration is such that it allows transparent access to information in both systems. Depending on the level of difficulty, integration can be approached differently.

Conclusions

An application designed for training electrical sub-station operators by using a virtual reality application has been set out in this paper.

The application allows full viewing of any of the sub-stations in the power supply network, allowing navigation into the virtual world and interaction with the elements. Each of the sub-station components has been reproduced in the simulation model, including the behavior laws associated with it, so the complete functionality of the sub-station can be

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