AREVA T&D Training Software Receives Product Of The Year
Significance of the e-terrasimulator
A major challenge facing utilities and RTOs is managing the complexities of models and scenarios in two different systems: the real time system and the simulated system. A unit of France's AREVA Group, AREVA T&D's simulation software enables trainers to create real time scenarios such as cascading blackouts and drill (using automatically based on real-time, recorded conditions) dispatchers to train them on how to respond in real time to either avert a blackout or recover from one. A key advantage of the e-terrasimulator over other simulation software in the marketplace is that it allows clients to insert models captured from their real time production system directly into the simulator, thereby reducing a significant amount of maintenance and overhead that simulation software commonly requires. The e-terrasimulator, developed by engineers at AREVA T&D's Bellevue, Washington Product Development Center, has been well received by the grid operator community.
Competitive Factor
Customer feedback to improve the e-terrasimulator is an important ingredient to AREVA T&D's success. AREVA T&D has an active user base that meets annually to share experiences and participate in the product direction process. There are earmarked R&D labor-hours each year to address end-user prioritized enhancements. This customer feedback mechanism has been well executed and has enabled AREVA T&D to succeed in a tough competitive environment that includes major energy industry leaders. To respond to evolving end user requirements and client feedback, the e-terrasimulator is released in a new version approximately every 18 months.
Value-Added Benefits
AREVA's e-terrasimulator is delivered in two basic configurations, a standalone model and an integrated model. The advantage of the standalone configuration is that it supports any model, so that it can be integrated into any other system while preserving the whole system's performance and functionality.
AREVA's e-terrasimulator is also naturally designed to allow AREVA T&D to provide a complete suite of services to its customers including: system support, training and consulting.
AREVA T&D's focus on developing a highly useable and critical learning tool for today's energy industry, as well as its commitment to assuring the e-terrasimulator product incorporates customer feedback, has proven decisive in its selection for Frost & Sullivan's 2005 Energy Training Product of the Year Award.
SOURCE: Frost & Sullivan