Use of Virtual Reality as Learning Object of Electrical Substations

ABSTRACT

Power substations play a key role in electrical systems. They aim to ensure system reliability, electrical operation without interruptions and safety and protection for the users and system. In this sense, the knowledge of the main concepts associated with substations is essential for the training of students and engineers who work in this area. However, the development of substation courses and training by conventional methodologies does not allow an optimal integration with users. In general, technical visits are used as an auxiliary activity. However, it takes time, since it is usually far from urban centers, where educational institutions are located, and additionally, for safety reasons, it is not allowed being close to the equipment, especially in high voltage substations. In this context, the use of virtual reality may offer educational mechanisms for users to have improved knowledge retention and motivation. Thus, this paper presents a virtual substation as a teaching tool to complement substation courses and trainings. The present system mitigates the impact on the courses and training quality, when it is not possible or it’s difficult the access on site. For example, the scenarios caused by COVID-19, which imposes remote trainings and classes at companies and universities. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.