Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Electrical Substation Training

Usually, distribution electricians are called upon to solve technical problems found in electrical substations. In this project, we apply problem-based learning to a training program for electricians, with the help of a virtual reality environment that simulates a real substation. Using this virtual substation, users may safely practice maneuvers with varying degrees of complexity. To improve the user’s sense of immersion, interactive devices such as the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset are going to be adopted. The project’s stakeholders had a good impression of the device and believe that the proposed methodology will improve the training and effect positively the electricians’ performance, reducing accidents inside the substation area and decreasing the time required to reestablish the power supply after a failure.