Development of an Immersive VR Training System for High-Voltage Power Industry

Power engineers face significant risks when working on electrical poles, basket elevators, and high-voltage switching stations. Traditional classroom-based training does not adequately simulate real-world dangers, leading to potential safety gaps and unprepared personnel. The client requires a VR-based training system that mimics real operational environments to improve safety, enhance learning effectiveness, and identify individuals lacking predispositions for risky tasks.

A mid-sized energy company specializing in electrical infrastructure maintenance and training, seeking advanced VR solutions to enhance safety and operational proficiency of its power engineers.

• Create an immersive VR training environment that replicates working on high-voltage infrastructure, basket elevators, and switching stations.
• Incorporate realistic physical stimuli such as wind blast, vibration feedback via wearable vests, and pneumatic elevator simulators to enhance experiential learning.
• Monitor trainee reactions through biometric sensors like heart monitors to assess stress and responsiveness.
• Develop multiple scenario modules to cover various operational tasks within the energy sector.
• Reduce training-related accidents and improve competency validation for power engineers.
• Support future expansion by designing scalable architecture to add further scenarios and industries.

• High-fidelity VR scenarios simulating electrical pole work, basket elevator operation, and switching station activities.
• Physical interaction elements including wind simulation, vibration vest signaling experienced errors, and pneumatic elevator movement.
• Biometric data collection such as heart rate monitoring for real-time reaction assessment.
• Scenario management system allowing trainers to select, modify, and track trainee progress.
• Web-based interface for user access, progress reports, and system configuration.
• Integration with physical hardware components for wind, vibration, pneumatic actuators, and biometric sensors.

• Biometric sensors (heart rate monitors) for trainee reaction monitoring
• Physical hardware interfaces for wind, vibration vest, and pneumatic elevator controls
• Data acquisition systems for real-time input processing
• Web application backend for user management and reporting

• Real-time data processing and feedback with latency under 100ms
• System scalability to support concurrent trainees and multiple scenarios
• High safety standards and secure data handling for biometric and operational data
• User-friendly interface compatible with various VR hardware devices
• Reliability of hardware integrations ensuring minimal system downtime

The implementation of this VR training system is expected to significantly improve training effectiveness by providing realistic simulation environments, leading to a decrease in onsite safety incidents and accidents. It will enable more accurate detection of personnel predispositions for hazardous tasks, enhance trainee engagement, and support scalable deployment across multiple markets, ultimately reducing training costs and increasing operational safety and compliance.