System Restoration Tools: System Restoration Navigator Integrated into EPRI Operator Training Simulator (SRN/OTS)

System operators and planners develop and implement restoration plans based on off-line simulation studies, and accumulated experience and knowledge. One of the challenges in developing a restoration plan is to sift through numerous possible restoration scenarios and paths, in order to identify those that are technically feasible. When implementing a restoration plan in an on-line environment following a blackout, the operators need to adapt to the actual outage scenarios and available resources, and be constantly mindful of anticipated voltage and frequency excursions that must remain within system and equipment tolerances. In recognition of these challenges, EPRI has developed System Restoration Navigator (SRN), to provide decision support to system restoration planning and operations engineers in developing, evaluating and revising system restoration strategies, guidelines, plans and step-by-step procedures. During 2013-2014, EPRI developed SRN version 3.0, which is designed to facilitate its integration into a commercial operator training simulator (OTS) (AKA a dispatch training simulator, DTS). The integration of SRN 3.0 with an OTS allows operators to obtain experience in simulating, developing, experimenting with and revising system restoration plans, and to address related regulatory standards. The integration expands the usability of SRN 3.0 by providing the OTS platform for training purposes and for the purpose of interfacing SRN 3.0 with operational power system models to be able to explore near real time application of SRN 3.0. This 2013-2014 development work also included the integration of SRN 3.0 into EPRI OTS, and its application on the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council (FRCC) power system. A detailed account of development of SRN 3.0, its integration into EPRI OTS and its application to FRCC system is presented in this paper.

Training on LSA lifeboat operation using Mixed Reality

Background This work aims to provide an overview of the Mixed Reality(MR)technology’s use in maritime industry for training purposes.Current training procedures cover a broad range of procedural operations for Life-Saving Appliances(LSA)lifeboats;however,several gaps and limitations have been identified related to the practical training that can be addressed through the use of MR.Augmented,Virtual and Mixed Reality applications are already used in various fields in maritime industry,but their full potential have not been yet exploited.SafePASS project aims to exploit MR advantages in the maritime training by introducing a relevant application focusing on use and maintenance of LSA lifeboats.Methods An MR Training application is proposed supporting the training of crew members in equipment usage and operation,as well as in maintenance activities and procedures.The application consists of the training tool that trains crew members on handling lifeboats,the training evaluation tool that allows trainers to assess the performance of trainees,and the maintenance tool that supports crew members to perform maintenance activities and procedures on lifeboats.For each tool,an indicative session and scenario workflow are implemented,along with the main supported interactions of the trainee with the equipment.Results The application has been tested and validated both in lab environment and using a real LSA lifeboat,resulting to improved experience for the users that provided feedback and recommendations for further development.The application has also been demonstrated onboard a cruise ship,showcasing the supported functionalities to relevant stakeholders that recognized the added value of the application and suggested potential future exploitation areas.Conclusions The MR Training application has been evaluated as very promising in providing a user-friendly training environment that can support crew members in LSA lifeboat operation and maintenance,while it is still subject to improvement and further expansion.

Recording the direct surgeon’s view with an operating microscopic view improves microscopic ophthalmic surgery training

AIM:To establish a recording system with a direct view of the surgeon to supplement video recording under an operating microscope,which lacks information on the movement and position of the surgeon’s hands,and to facilitate the reproduction of a skilled surgeon’s technique by a surgeon in training.METHODS:A small camera was attached to the operating microscope with a custom adapter.Microscopic surgeon’s view and direct surgeon’s view through this new camera were recorded in the surgical recording system.Both movies were synchronized and analyzed how do surgeons handle the instruments.RESULTS:A small camera attached to the operating microscope allowed the surgeon’s hands motion to be recorded without interfering with the surgeon’s movements.Different surgeons used different methods to manipulate the ultrasound handpiece and the irrigation/aspiration device.Even in the simple paracentesis procedure,different surgeons used different methods.Surgeons-in-training were able to identify and improve their weaknesses by watching synchronized movies of their hand motions and microscopic view.CONCLUSION:Simultaneous recording the surgical field out of the operating microscopic view by a small camera set on the microscope is comprehensive and improves surgeons-in-training understanding and learning surgeries.

Interactive plant simulation modeling for developing an operator training system in a natural gas pressure-regulating station

This study proposes a method of interactive plant simulation modeling which delivers the online simulated results to the field operators and induces them to take proper actions in the case of pre-identified accident scenarios in a chemical plant. The developed model integrates the real-time process dynamic simulation with 3DCFD accident simulation in a designed interface using object linking and embedding technology so that it can convey to trainees the online information of the accident which is not available in existing operator training systems.The model encompasses the whole process of data transfer till the end of the training at which a trainee operates an emergency shutdown system in a programmed model. In this work, an overall scenario is simulated which is from an abnormal increase in the main valve discharge（second）pressure due to valve malfunction to accidental gas release through the crack of a pressure recorder, and the magnitude of the accident with respect to the lead time of each trainee＇s emergency response is analyzed. The model can improve the effectiveness of the operator training system through interactively linking the trainee actions with the simulation model resulting in different accident scenarios with respect to each trainee＇s competence when facing an accident.

Best Practice Standards and Methodology for Crane Operator Training—A Global Perspective

Crane operators control mobile or stationary cranes to lift, move and place objects at locations such as building and construction sites, wharves and shipyards. This activity occurs all over the world and is a high risk task with many noted examples of serious incidents and accidents. There are identifiable key causes that have been noted through analysis of the well documented cases and many of these causes are preventable through effective training programs. Internationally, there are not currently consistent approaches to crane operator training program content or duration. Leading causes of crane accidents are firstly discussed and identified as areas for inclusion in training programs. A number of current training approaches from a range of countries are then considered and these are used to outline the basis of a generic competency standard for crane operation, as it was found that there are not common standards in place. The proposed competency standard can be adapted by training regulators, training providers, government agencies, industry bodies and enterprises as a benchmark for the development of effective training programs.

Study of Models for Heating Power Station Operator Training Systems

This paper is devoted to development and study of models for operator training systems of heating power station processes management. It proposed a mathematical model describing the management processes of heating power units of the technological complex considering the relationship of technological variables in deviations effective in real time. A software complex is developed for the system of training of operators controlling processes in heating station units. Obtained results may be used in the course of development of computer training systems for operators of heating power stations with cross-linkage.

High-Speed Trains Automatic Operation with Protection Constraints: A Resilient Nonlinear Gain-based Feedback Control Approach

This paper addresses the control design for automatic train operation of high-speed trains with protection constraints.A new resilient nonlinear gain-based feedback control approach is proposed,which is capable of guaranteeing,under some proper non-restrictive initial conditions,the protection constraints control raised by the distance-to-go(moving authority)curve and automatic train protection in practice.A new hyperbolic tangent function-based model is presented to mimic the whole operation process of high-speed trains.The proposed feedback control methods are easily implementable and computationally inexpensive because the presence of only two feedback gains guarantee satisfactory tracking performance and closed-loop stability,no adaptations of unknown parameters,function approximation of unknown nonlinearities,and attenuation of external disturbances in the proposed control strategies.Finally,rigorous proofs and comparative simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.

The Research and Development of Integrated Operation-Maintenance Simulation Training System

With deep development of state grid’s system of "Three Sets of Five [1]", China is in urgent need of establishing an appropriate type of simulation system to rapidly improve operation efficiency and the level of maintainers, which aim at the integrated operation of substation operation and maintenance service. This article gives an introduction of a simulation training system which is designed for operation-skills training in electrical systems. By the composition of the multiple subjects and skills training for operations staff, this system can provide human guarantee and intellectual support for the "Big-Centralized Overhal".

Automatic Driving Operation Strategy of Urban Rail Train Based on Improved DQN Algorithm

To realize a better automatic train driving operation control strategy for urban rail trains,an automatic train driving method with improved DQN algorithm(classical deep reinforcement learning algorithm)is proposed as a research object.Firstly,the train control model is established by considering the train operation requirements.Secondly,the dueling network and DDQN ideas are introduced to prevent the value function overestimation problem.Finally,the priority experience playback and“restricted speed arrival time”are used to reduce the useless experience utilization.The experiments are carried out to verify the train operation strategy method by simulating the actual line conditions.From the experimental results,the train operation meets the ATO requirements,the energy consumption is 15.75%more energy-efficient than the actual operation,and the algorithm convergence speed is improved by about 37%.The improved DQN method not only enhances the efficiency of the algorithm but also forms a more effective operation strategy than the actual operation,thereby contributing meaningfully to the advancement of automatic train operation intelligence.

Research on the cooperative train control method in the metro system for energy saving

Purpose–To address the problem that the current train operation mode that train selects one of several offline pre-generated control schemes before the departure and operates following the scheme after the departure,energy-saving performance of the whole metro system cannot be guaranteed.Design/methodology/approach–A cooperative train control framework is formulated to regulate a novel train operation mode.The classic train four-phase control strategy is improved for generating specific energy-efficient control schemes for each train.An improved brute force(BF)algorithm with a two-layer searching idea is designed to solve the optimisation model of energy-efficient train control schemes.Findings–Case studies on the actual metro line in Guangzhou,China verify the effectiveness of the proposed train control methods compared with four-phase control strategy under different kinds of train operation scenarios and calculation parameters.The verification on the computation efficiency as well as accuracy of the proposed algorithm indicates that it meets the requirement of online optimisation.Originality/value–Most existing studies optimised energy-efficient train timetable or train control strategies through an offline process,which has a defect in coping with the disturbance or delays effectively and promptly during real-time train operation.This paper studies an online optimisation of cooperative train control based on the rolling optimisation idea,where energy-efficient train operation can be realised once train running time is determined,thus mitigating the impact of unpredictable operation situations on the energy-saving performance of trains.

脑卒中患者采取数字OT训练系统与作业疗法干预对上肢功能和生活自理能力的影响分析

目的:探讨数字OT训练系统与作业疗法在脑卒中疾病中联合应用,对生活自理能力(ADL)评分和上肢功能的影响。方法:选取2020年5月—2021年5月天津市宝坻区人民医院收治的68例脑卒中患者作为研究对象,按照随机数表法分为对照组和观察组,每组各34例。对照组采取作业疗法,观察组采取作业疗法联合数字OT训练系统疗法。对比两组患者康复效果、训练配合度、ADL评分、肢体运动功能(Fugl-Meyer)评分、神经功能(NIHSS)评分、认知功能(MoCA)评分、健康生活质量(SF-36)评分等指标。结果:观察组患者临床康复效果高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=5.100,P>0.05)。观察组患者训练配合度明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=4.220,P>0.05)。干预后,观察组患者ADL评分、上肢功能评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=7.035、3.475,P<0.05)。干预后,观察组患者NIHSS评分低于对照组、MoCA评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=15.561、2.552,P<0.05)。干预后,观察组患者生活质量评分显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=8.457、7.053、4.750、3.534、7.755、3.782、7.559、4.507,P<0.05)。结论:脑卒中患者采取数字OT训练系统与作业疗法联合干预的效果明显,可改善其认知、神经功能,经合理训练后其上肢功能恢复明显,提升患者日常ADL、生活质量及训练配合度。

Observation of early active training effects after the operation for lumber intervertebral disc herniation

Objective To explore the recent and distant effects of early active training after the operation for lumber intervertebral disc herniation.Method 79 patients after the operation for mono segmental lumber intervertebral disc herniation had been divided into early active training group and routine control group randomly, and accepted training, regular re-examination, and follow-up of 1～6 years respedtively.Results The early active training group had better recent and distant objective effect, and more patients (97.6%) were satisfied with the operational effects.Conclusions The early active training after the operation for lumber intervertebral disc herniation is positive significant for operational effects.

JR East aims for driverless Shinkansen operation

East Japan Railway Company(JR East)is aiming to“realize driverless train operation”as one of the key measures to respond to rapid changes in the business environment.Currently,Automatic Train Operation(ATO)equipment is not installed on the Shinkansen,but there are plans to introduce ATO or driverless operation in the near future.From 2018-2021,the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism(MLIT)held the“ATO Technology Study Group for Railways”in which the concept of technical requirements necessary for driverless operation was discussed.In 2021,JR East conducted the GOA4 demonstration test on the Joetsu Shinkansen.In this test,we were able to confirm the basic functions of Shinkansen vehicles such as automatic departure control,speed control,fixed position stop control,and remote stop control using ATO.We aim to realize unattended operation(GOA4)for deadhead trains between Niigata Station and the Niigata Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center by the end of the 2020 s,and driverless operation(GOA3)for passenger trains of the Joetsu Shinkansen by the mid-2030s and continue to develop the necessary technologies and build systems.

Approach of Training Working Staff of Power System Operation Mode Based on State Evaluation

An approach of training working staff of power system operation mode based on state evaluation is proposed. In terms of knowledge features of power system operation mode, we studied a training method based on evaluation of learning state. This training method makes individual learning for different individual condition to give them ability to grasp learning points quickly, evaluate real-time learning effect, update learning style in time and summarize problems after one learning stage, so that learners can master professional knowledge in constant summaries and feedbacks. Obvious effects can be obtained on discontinuous learning time that trainees can master basic theories associated with their working and operations adapted to practical work quickly.

Operational Skill and TNA （Training Needs Analysis） for Generation Power Plant

Training needs analysis is the preliminary step in a cyclical process which adds to the overall training and progress strategy of staff in a generation power plant or a professional group, questionnaires were distributed among WAJPCO （Wadi Al Jizzi Power Company） staff and their responses were used to conduct a training need and gap analyses with a view to identify the operational skill and the training needs of the generation power plant, the time and travel commitment the industry is willing to invest in employee training, and an understanding of what skills are considered specific to lumber manufacturing and what can be combined with the needs of other industries and taught locally.

DTS-SOTS实时通信接口的设计与实现

设计开发了基于TCP/IP协议的DTS SOTS实时通信接口。该接口将分布在网络中不同节点上的DTS和SOTS联系起来 ,形成了一个电网仿真和变电站仿真有机结合的一体化系统。通过该接口 ,能够进行动态数据的交换并保证 2个系统在各种工作情况下的同步协调动作。在这种DTS与SOTS配合的联合仿真模式下 ,既可以对调度员和变电站操作员进行分别培训 ,也可进行调度员与变电站操作员协作的联合反事故演习 ,仿真与培训功能大大增强。在佛山地区实际系统中的应用证明其具有良好的性能与较高的实用价值。

DTS-SOTS联合故障仿真的设计与实现

在DTS-SOTS实时通信接口的基础上,设计并实现了调度员培训仿真系统、变电站操作员培训仿真系统(DTS-SOTS)联合故障仿真的功能。这种新型的联合故障仿真系统能够计算正常状态下的电网潮流和各种故障下的短路电流,并通过DTS各个模块和SOTS配合进行状态同步及事件处理的交互,真实地再现DTS和SOTS中的保护装置的动作行为。在广东省佛山电力工业局的现场运行表明,该联合故障仿真系统对SOTS的培训效果大为改进。

基于OTS模型的啤酒发酵仿真系统设计

针对啤酒生产对操作员的职业培训特点,利用组态软件和虚拟现实技术,结合OTS培训软件和DCS集散控制系统,构建了啤酒生产工艺流程仿真培训系统。首先,介绍了仿真培训系统的总体结构设计及OTS与虚拟DCS的接口技术,并基于OTS建模软件建立啤酒工艺仿真模型;同时,从培训考核要求出发,介绍了培训考核系统的实现和评价机制。在此基础上,建立了OTS仿真模型系统和DCS控制系统之间的无缝集成,以方便实现啤酒发酵工艺各类工况的练习,并提供多种考核评价机制。仿真试验结果表明,该系统在啤酒发酵生产培训中取得了比较理想的效果,是提高操作工技能的一种有效途径。

Operational Safety Assessment of a High-Speed Train Exposed to the Strong Gust Wind

The operational safety characteristics of trains exposed to a strong wind have caused great concern in recent years.In the present paper,the effect of the strong gust wind on a high-speed train is investigated.A typical gust wind model for any wind angle,named“Chinese hat gust wind model”,was first constructed,and an algorithm for computing the aerodynamic loads was elaborated accordingly.A vehicle system dynamic model was then set up in order to investigate the vehicle system dynamic characteristics.The assessment of the operational safety has been conducted by means of characteristic wind curves(CWC).As some of the parameters of the wind-train system were difficult to measure,we also investigated the impact of the uncertain system parameters on the CWC.Results indicate that,the descending order of the operational safety index of the vehicle for each wind angle is 90°-60°-120°-30°-150°,and the worst condition for the operational safety occurs when the wind angle reaches around 90°.According to our findings,the gust factor and aerodynamic side force coefficient have great impact on the critical wind speed.Thus,these two parameters require special attention when considering the operational safety of a railway vehicle subjected to strong gust wind.

Interactive mobile equipment safety task-training in surface mining

Improving the quality of equipment training for the Heavy Equipment Operators(HEO)is a critical task in improving safety and eliminating equipment-related injuries in mining.One of major responsibilities for the HEOs is proper machine inspection.Traditional miner safety training includes the use of hardcopy documents and video instructions.However,modern mobile and computer technology offers tremendous potential to improve the training process.In this study,we apply a 360-degree camera,opensource platform WordPress^(TM),and the software Unity3D in order to create materials and tools for the HEOs safety training to help trainees better understand the pre-shift safety machine inspection.The computer-based safety task training developed in this research is tested and implemented at a surface mine in the southern United States.