Training simulators for the electric energy systems of grid companies (known under the Russian brand name abbreviation RETREN) have been developed and conceived by RDCPE experts as integrated multi-function systems designed to address a number of common issues during day-to-day control and operation of electric energy systems and pools with regard to analysis and management of the grid. RETREN features an interactive, dynamic model of an electric energy system that serves as a platform for the current mode analysis system, a multi-function operator aid simulator, and an automated training system.

RETREN is designed for the wide range of professional dispatchers of electric energy systems and pools, mode service crews and relay protection and accident prevention automatics teams.

RETREN is based on the CASCAD model and offers a dynamic, interactive interface capturing energy systems in real time and displaying system data. The dynamic model controls for electromechanical and long-term transition processes as well as secondary monitoring systems and accident prevention automation.

RETREN offers solutions for a wide range of tasks, from calculating basic and transitional operation modes of energy systems to training and supporting operations and dispatch staff. Its features include the functions for assessment of power system parameters as controlled points, calculation of grid energy losses and regulation costs for normal, complicated and post-accident modes of operation.

The software has been installed at Mosenergo (power system for the city of Moscow), Central Control Office and FGC UES. RETREN also served as a common platform for Russia’s first joint international training of electric power system dispatchers held in St. Petersburg in 1996 (attended by 22 trainees representing 8 grid systems and pools).

RETREN offers the following advantages:

• monitoring of frequency fluctuations at each network node;
• calculations of dynamic operation modes adjusted for electromechanical and long-term transitional processes;
• the ability to simulate dynamic modes of electric power systems in real time;
• a multi-level, hierarchical mode calculation system;
• monitoring of thermal power plant automation’s boiler room and secondary frequency and capacity regulators;
• simulation of accident prevention automation.
  
  

RETREN is able to perform the following functions:

• calculation of electric grid losses for all voltage levels;
• calculations of stable operation modes and transitional processes in electric system’s simulated model;
• switches in upper and lower level models in real time mode;
• operator training simulator for electric power systems;
• automated training system;
• dispatcher’s aid function to ensure mode reliability;
• analysis of structure and grid losses for all voltage levels;
• electric system imitator during operator software fine-tuning for a particular facility.
  
  

One clear advantage offered by the package is the ability to simulate electric systems adjusted for dynamics of electromechanical and long-term transitional processes. The resulting system model will cover essentially every mode of operation, which in turn allows simulating all types of accidents, including complicated cascading catastrophic events.

RETREN is also able to simulate operations of electric systems or pools under normal operating or switching conditions. If two models are operating concurrently, RETREN provides for their data links and ability to control the mode and equipment switches in real time.