Education Innovation in the Field of Electric Power Engineering Considering New Trends in Power Network Automation and Management

Abstract

Nowadays, power systems are facing significant changes, mainly related to the massive implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT). These technologies are enabling completely new possibilities for the power system operation. One of the key elements supporting the ICT development in power systems is the modern power apparatus interconnected with digital protection relays and control terminals, integrated into an intelligent substation control system. However, the building and design of such complex systems do not require only a deep knowledge of all the partial technologies from the future designers, technicians, and their operators. A deep understanding of all the interactions between power apparatus, intelligent control devices, control system, and operators is also needed. The abovementioned development in the power systems requires a redesign of the methods and especially the approach to the education of future graduates of electric power engineering. Future education must be focused on the ability of graduates to combine the knowledge from classic areas in power system engineering with their equivalents in cyberspace. To understand all the specifics of such a complex system, a possibility for students to see all the interactions in a real-world substation is needed. Since it is not often practical, the use of a system as close to reality as possible can be advantageous. Therefore, an integral part of the proposed new approach to education is also the building of a unique laboratory equipped with all the necessary hardware and software tools to provide students with a real hands-on experience with a modern intelligent medium voltage substation and its components.