A low-complexity method for authoring an interactive virtual maintenance training system of hydroelectric generating equipment

Abstract In heavy industry, an interactive maintenance training system is the most effective way to acquire maintenance knowledge while it is the most difficult to be achieved. To reduce the difficulty in authoring and improve the consistency between the virtual maintenance system and the site, a low-complexity method is proposed to author an interactive virtual maintenance training system of hydroelectric generating equipment in this paper. This method decomposes the complex equipment into a set of parts and components. Based upon the interactive operation of each part and component, an interactive virtual maintenance system of the entire equipment is established. First, the relationship among the component actions is quickly and clearly expressed through the overall modeling. Second, the component models, simulation classes of the motion characteristics, simulation classes of the interactive operation, and other auxiliary classes are created based on object-oriented thinking, and are then encapsulated together as standardized interactive virtual elements. Finally, a virtual environment system with an interactive operation response is created through the interactive virtual elements. An interactive maintenance system of hydroelectric generating equipment based on this method is currently being applied to the training of new employees in a hydropower station, which enhances the training experience and effectiveness.