Home Generation Control Scheduling Network Apps Training Simulator Architecture Case Studies

Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS)

High-Fidelity Simulator Integrated with EMS | Train for Rare Emergency Conditions

Overview

Provides realistic simulation of power system dynamic response under a wide range of operating conditions. Trainees use identical displays and procedures as real-time EMS.

Same EMS Software

Duplicate of SCADA/EMS MMI

Dynamic Simulation

Power system at scan rates

Emergency Training

Once-in-a-lifetime events

DTS Console Simulator

>>> DTS Version 3.2 | Training Session: BLACKOUT-2026
>>> Time: 14:23:45 | Simulation Rate: 1.0x
===============================================
System Status: 4876 MW Load | 4912 MW Generation
Frequency: 60.02 Hz | ACE: +36 MW
===============================================
ALERT: Line L-145 overloaded (108%)
ALERT: Bus B-78 voltage 0.92 pu
===============================================
AGC Mode: TLB | Units Online: 24
Spinning Reserve: 425 MW | Regulating: 180 MW
Insert Event Pause Restart 2x Speed
Instructor: Inserting event "Generator Trip - Unit 7"

DTS Architecture

Instructor Station
• Scenario Builder
• Event Scheduler
• Performance Evaluator
Power System Simulation
• Generator Dynamics
• Load Models
• Relay Models
Duplicate EMS Software
• AGC/ED Running
• SE/CA Running
• Same MMI
Trainee Station
• Same as Control Room
• Realistic Response

Instructor Capabilities

Before Training:

  • Database setup and maintenance
  • Scenario preparation
  • Initial state selection (from EMS save cases)

During Training:

  • Insert unplanned events
  • Control simulation (stop/restart/acceleration)
  • Communicate as external dispatcher/plant operator
  • Evaluate trainee performance

Scenario Preparation Interface

Point-and-click from one-line diagrams to define equipment-related events

Trainee Evaluation

MetricScore
Frequency Control92%
Voltage Management88%
Emergency Response75%
Economic Dispatch95%

Scenario Events

Equipment Events

Generator Trip - Unit 7 (500 MW)
Line L-145 overload (108%)
Transformer T-4 high temperature
Bus B-78 voltage 0.92 pu
Frequency drop to 59.85 Hz
RTU communication failure - Substation 7
Cascading outage - Line 1-2, 2-3, 3-4
System islanding - North/South separation

Event Categories

Protective Relay Models

  • Over/Under Voltage (27/59)
  • Over/Under Frequency (81)
  • Synchronism Check (25)
  • Over Current (50/51)
  • Distance (21)

Load Models

  • Conforming Load
  • Non-conforming Load
  • Auxiliary Load
  • Voltage & Frequency Sensitivity
  • Random Noise

Generator Models

  • Fossil Units
  • Nuclear Units
  • Hydro Units
  • Combustion Turbines
  • Block Frequency Response

Advanced DTS Capabilities

Disturbance Replay

Replay actual disturbances from historical data (HIS)

Conditional Events

Triggered via Real Time Calculations (RTC)

Remedial Action Schemes

Simulate RAS logic (e.g., overcurrent triggers load shed)

Blackstart Training

Complete blackout and restoration scenarios

Dynamic Load Profile

1-minute granularity with random noise

Snapshot & Pause

Freeze simulation, analyze, restart

Training Benefits

  • Train dispatchers on future system configurations
  • Develop power system restoration strategies
  • Develop and verify operating procedures
  • Refresher training for experienced dispatchers
  • After-the-fact disturbance investigation
  • Trainee evaluation and certification
  • Test future EMS databases
  • Test EMS software changes
95%
Improvement in emergency response
60%
Reduction in operator errors

DTS Hardware Configuration

Trainee Console
Ethernet Backbone
Dedicated DTS Server
Instructor Console

DTS uses identical hardware as EMS - reducing training, maintenance, and spare parts