Training simulator within EDF

EDF have a dispatcher training simulator since 1988. It is a full scope and stand-alone simulator which reproduces either the national or a regional control centre. The animation is based on a long term dynamic program for normal conditions and on a simplified in-line transient stability program and short circuit. Algebraic equations are solved with the full Jacobian matrix method, differential equations with the implicit trapezoidal method. These give a large range of validity specially during a voltage collapse. The power system simulated has about 370 branches, 115 power plants, 180 loads and 3500 switching devices. All automata and protections are represented. Short circuit elimination is done in real time. After five years of exploitation EDF say that such a simulator is a necessary tool. It has a sufficient level of realism for training but the pedagogic aspect has to be improved