Digital Twin of PLC Teleprotection Devices as a Modern Technology for their Modernization and Personnel Training

The digital twin provides a comprehensive solution to the problem:

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  test DSP algorithms under all conditions; accelerate the labor-intensive tests of the device for interference immunity; generate the C code for the new DSP module software; eliminate direct software testing via validated model algorithms and the reliable

MATLAB Coder; simplify the training of specialists in DSP algorithm and software development, as well as engineers responsible for testing, operation, relay protection and automation, and control centers; examine malfunctions in PLC teleprotection devices to develop technical measures to solve them. Developing a new DSP module software requires a specialist who is both an experienced radio engineer and a skilled programmer. Training such a specialist is a challenging task. Employing two specialists makes the task even more difficult. This would require full testing of both the algorithms and the existing software. The MATLAB model can be developed by a single experienced radio engineer with programming skills, who will then test the DSP algorithms on the model, validate it, and generate the code.

The developed digital twin can be used to train junior radio engineers. The simplicity of the

MATLAB model helps them understand the implementation of DSP algorithms. They can then implement the model for other modifications of the PLC teleprotection device, test new algorithms, and evaluate their interference immunity. This approach ensures a high level of engineer training and preserves continuity across developer generations.

The digital twin accelerates interference immunity testing of the device tenfold: from one year to one week. This allows for a smaller number of testers. In addition, it can be used to improve the training of testers through the user-friendly graphical interface of the model, faster testing, and clear visual presentation of results.

The digital twin can also be used to enhance the skills of RPA system engineers. It enables modeling of the designed communication channels under various interference conditions and supports equipment selection based on the results of such modeling.

An equally important task is to train operating engineers responsible for configuring and verifying the operation of PLC teleprotection devices at power facilities. The digital twin enables simulation of the full parameter configuration of the device via a graphic window.

Test modes can then be executed to verify the operation of the PLC teleprotection device.

This can be followed by an evaluation of its interference immunity and comprehensive diagnostics, including analysis of oscillograms and spectra of the received signals.

The authors have been conducting training courses for operating engineers from various organizations for more than 20 years. They cover PLC teleprotection device configuration techniques and DSP fundamentals. During practical training sessions, digital twins of PLC teleprotection devices are used. This has improved the training quality due to the simplicity of the model interface, high simulation speed, and clear visualization of test results. At the same time, operating engineers acquire research engineering skills. This ensures high operational efficiency in case of emergency situations.

Digital twins of PLC teleprotection devices are also planned to be used to train specialists from relay protection and automation departments of control centers, as well as to examine malfunctions in PLC teleprotection devices.