Electric system training with programmable controllers

An overview is given of a power-system simulator for training system operators at the Pacific Gas and Electric Training Center. The simulator was designed as an instructional aid and is part of a larger, more comprehensive operating training facility. It has the capability of duplicating both routine and emergency situations for transmission and distribution lines, power plants, and substations. The supervisory computer system, the Metra Model 2002XE, consists of a Motorola 68000Z microprocessor-based control system and color graphics display. It has the ability to communicate with up to 128 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and will handle up to 4096 discrete or four-digit data variables. The functions of the PLCs are described, and methods of communication between the various system elements are indicated.<>