New Training Scope with LADYNET

July 28, 2016

The internal electrical distribution system of power plant simulators is modelled in detail. The electrical net outside the plant is usually reduced to static interfaces set by frequency and voltage, representing an infinite rigid grid. At best an island option is provided, enabling the simulator to act as a single provider to a limited grid, where load power and power factor can be set. KSG enhanced the training potential by adding the essential properties of a large dynamic network (LADYNET) to the model.

The model provides the possibility to change the source power, consumer power request level and consumer power factor within a certain time ramp, followed by a transient grid response. The transient first considers the self-regulating quality of the net, and then acts accordingly to the primary and secondary control of the other plants feeding the power grid. The properties of the new model meet the requirements for realistic training of dynamic network impacts on power plant operation. We use them for nuclear power plant simulators, but they can certainly be implemented for conventional power plant simulators, too.

Currently the changes in power, initiating the transient, are abrupt. Nevertheless, further extensions are possible, e.g. implementing functional changes of power level rather than linear, in order to train the effect of large photovoltaic input changes during a solar eclipse.