Interconnected Power Systems Laboratory: A Computer-Automated Instructional Facility for Power System Experiments

This paper presents a unique facility capable of exhibiting the operation of modem-day power system energy management systems (EMS) for educational and possible research applications. We present the design and construction of the laboratory facility. Key elements include a real-life, flexible power system network, signal conditioning hardware, data acquisition equipment, and client/server industry-standard computer networking technology. The system allows students to get experience on the realistic operation and control of power systems and exposes them to modem data acquisition and supervisory control (SCADA) equipment and procedures used by the industry.