Power Electronics Course Research Articles

An educational tool for fundamental DC–DC converter circuits and active power factor correction applications

AbstractComputer‐aided education has become popular thanks to its flexible and useful structure in classroom environment. In this study, a computer‐based educational tool for DC–DC converters and its active power factor correction (PFC) applications are presented for effective education of these circuits at power electronics courses and reinforcement of the theoretical instruction given at these courses. Firstly, simulations were generated by MATLAB/Simulink toolbox. After then, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were designed for visual approach to specifying all input and output parameters. The results of the educational tool developed are illustrated with screenshots and graphics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 113–134, 2013

Model Based Design and Hardware in the Loop Testing in Power Electronics Courses

In this paper a low cost virtual test bed for educational purposes is developed and tested. Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) design concept as an experimental part of power electronics is considered. Software simulations lead to develop control of the studied system. Before a real-time implementation of the control, HIL simulations could be a very useful intermediary step. Thus a hardware device is introduced in the loop in order to take its real constraints into account. Used equipment is general purposes and can be utilized for controller implementation as well as virtual plant model. Simulations are performed under different conditions and results are presented graphically using virtual instruments on the designed front panels.

A Pedagogical Approach for Modeling and Simulation of Switching Mode DC-DC Converters for Power Electronics Course

The power electronics course is a rather challenging subject for instructors and undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. To enhance teaching effectiveness and motivate self-learning capabilities of the students, this paper presents a pedagogical approach for mathematical modeling and simulation of switching mode DC-DC converters. The Buck and Boost converters are analyzed as benchmark systems to study the power converter modeling methodologies. And a comparative analysis using digital simulation from Matlab/Simulink and ATP/EMTP is presented. A summary of student survey is also presented, which shows a high level of satisfaction. The presented pedagogical approach would be useful for classroom teaching for the power electronics course and similar engineering courses. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v10i6.1361 Full Text: PDF

An Educational Laboratory for Digital Control and Rapid Prototyping of Power Electronic Circuits

This paper describes a new educational power electronics laboratory that was developed primarily to reinforce experimentally the fundamental concepts presented in a power electronics course. The developed laboratory combines theoretical design, simulation studies, digital control, fabrication, and verification of power-electronic circuits based on a set of hardware and software tools. The salient feature of the laboratory is that it takes the students through a step-by-step design, implementation, and digital control procedure for a set of power electronic circuits. A detailed description of the tools along with their use in the developed laboratory is presented.

Teaching of power quality phenomenon based on modeling and simulation of boost type PFC converters

AbstractThe aim of this work is to introduce the power quality phenomenon to electrical engineering students by modeling and simulation of boost type power factor correction(PFC) circuits. In the study, after introducing the importance of the power factor, the methods of improving power factor and the topologies used for single‐phase ac–dc boost PFC are discussed. Then, single‐phase boost type PFC converters are analyzed and simulated via Simplorer 6.0 component‐level simulation program. Finally, an experimental setup is designed for a conventional boost PFC circuit and the results obtained from the experiments are compared with the simulation ones. By this way, a deeper understanding of power quality is supplied to electrical engineering students via simulation and experimental studies and a computer application is integrated into undergraduate power electronics courses. It is expected that, this work will be useful for students and researchers who are interested in studying and researching power quality and single‐phase boost PFC circuits. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 149–160, 2012

Experiences in the Application of Project-Based Learning in a Switching-Mode Power Supplies Course

This paper presents the introduction of problem-based learning (PBL) in a power electronics course at the University of Oviedo, Gijón, Spain, by means of two practical projects: the design and construction of a switching-mode power supply (SMPS) prototype and the static study of a dc-dc converter topology. The goal of this innovation was for students to apply in practice the knowledge they had acquired in theory classes. PBL is known to be a motivating, problem-centered teaching method that brings the real professional world closer to the student. The instructors thus considered PBL to be the most suitable methodology to obtain the desired results. The underlying methodology, task planning, and assessment of these projects will be presented. Furthermore, the influence of the introduction of PBL in practical sessions versus the traditional teaching method will be discussed. Finally, the instructors' reflections and conclusions regarding the application of PBL in this course from 2007-2009 will be presented.

Teaching Magnetic Component Design in Power Electronics Course using Project Based Learning Approach

This paper presents the results and gained experiences from the Project Based Learning (PBL) of magnetic component design within a Power Electronics Course. PBL was applied during the laboratory exercises through a design-project task based on a boost converter test board. The students were asked to calculate the main boost converter’s circuit parameters’ capacitor C and inductor L, and then additionally required to design and build-up the inductor L, in order to meet the project’s goals. The whole PBL process relied on ideas from the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate), where the students are encouraged to consider the whole system’s process, in order to obtain hands-on experience. PBL is known to be a motivating and problem-centered teaching method that gives students the ability to transfer their acquired scientific knowledge into industrial practice. It has the potential to help students cope with demanding complexities in the field, and those problems they will face in their future careers.

Description and Assessment of Activities Oriented to Enhance a First Course on Power Electronics

The ongoing search for excellence in education requires the review and renewal of teaching strategies, concentrating efforts on courses that are not attractive to students or are considered to be unsuccessful. This paper is focused on an undergraduate power electronics course in which students had poor academic results in the past. The actions taken to improve the situation over the last several academic years are described, and an exhaustive analysis is presented of the results achieved, based on student statistics and surveys. The teaching experience is presented so as to offer some useful tips for educators wanting to improve courses of similar characteristics in a cost-effective and efficient way.

Teaching Behavioral Modeling and Simulation Techniques for Power Electronics Courses

This paper suggests a pedagogical approach to teaching the subject of behavioral modeling of switch-mode power electronics systems through simulation by general-purpose electronic circuit simulators. The methodology is oriented toward electrical engineering (EE) students at the undergraduate level, enrolled in courses such as “Power Electronics,” “Industrial Electronics,” or the like. The proposed approach is demonstrated by simulation example of a realistic active power factor corrector (APFC) system. The paper discusses the derivation of PSPICE/ORCAD-compatible behavioral models, their software implementation, and fast time domain, frequency domain, and stability analysis simulation techniques suitable for virtual study of complex nonlinear feedback systems. Some “tricks of the trade” are also suggested. The paper can be helpful to instructors of a “Virtual Power Electronics Laboratory” course wanting to conduct a software experiment on a PFC system.

The Application of PSIM & Matlab/ Simulink in Teaching of Power Electronics Courses

This paper presents a comparison analysis between two engineering software platforms, Matlab/Simulink & PSIM, which are used as major educational tools in teaching of power electronics and electrical drive courses, in additional to conducted research in these fields. The comparison analysis is based on studying the design simplicity of the module, time consumed in building of the module, accuracy, functionality, simulation time, and the acceptability of obtained results. Various power electronic simulation circuits are illustrated and the results are processed and displayed. 
 The simulation results states that Matlab/Simulink is a suitable platform for control and regulation of simulation processes, in additional to its dominant role in conducting research tasks. Conversely, PSIM is dedicated to power electronic circuits and machine simulation tasks with fast and robust algorithms and suitable for educational purposes. It is recommended that both packages can be used in teaching power electronics courses.

Simulación de sistemas eléctricos con cargas no lineales y variantes en el tiempo

This paper deals with a methodology implemented in a computer program with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) that allows us to simulate electrical networks (mainly power converters) with non linear elements. The proposed approach mixes two analysis types in a flexible tool, in that way, we can take advantage of the features of each of them and it permits to analyze linear and non linear systems in the time domain, linear systems in the frequency domain and mixed systems using the proposed hybrid method. The tool is intended to be a versatile and comprehensive computation instrument. Besides, it can be used in a straightforward way to analyze harmonic propagation in electrical networks. Examples from the literature used in electrical circuits, power systems, and power electronics courses are shown. Likewise, in order to analyze non-linear or time-varying loads, test systems were created as a benchmark for testing simulators of harmonics in electrical systems. Simulation results are analyzed and observations about the convergence features and algorithm stability of the proposed method are given. Due to the complexity and computational burden of hybrid analysis, we have selected element models, system models and suitable algorithms to guarantee that the solution is reasonable in terms of simulation time and computer resources.

A Switching-Mode Power Supply Design Tool to Improve Learning in a Power Electronics Course

The static design of ac/dc and dc/dc switching-mode power supplies (SMPS) relies on a simple but repetitive process. Although specific spreadsheets, available in various computer-aided design (CAD) programs, are widely used, they are difficult to use in educational applications. In this paper, a graphic tool programmed in MATLAB is presented, which allows students to apply and to reflect upon the knowledge acquired in theoretical classes. This tool has been successfully employed in the course “Sistemas Electrónicos de Alimentación” in the Telecommunications Engineering degree as part of a project in new education methods (University of Oviedo project PB-08-019). During practical sessions, the students used the tool to design a SMPS, achieving better learning results than was the case without the tool. In addition, the tool was successfully used to improve the students' theoretical knowledge of the subject.

A GUI-Based Education Toolbox for Power Electronics Converters Using MATLAB/Simulink and SimPowerSystems

A power electronics course is essential for electrical engineers and is typically included in the undergraduate-level syllabus. Power electronics converters (PECs) are widely used to provide power processing for applications ranging from communications and medical electronics to motor drives, power conversion and high-power transmission, making them one of the most important topics for power electronics engineering. This paper presents an educational graphical user interface (GUI) for simulation of various topologies of PECs which students can use to explore the behaviour of PECs. The GUI is developed by using Matlab/Simulink, SimPowerSystems and the GUIDE tool of MATLAB, which acts as a front-end interface that can be used for teaching as well as learning. The positive response from students indicates that the comprehensive GUI package is extremely useful for power electronics courses. The package can be considered as a virtual laboratory or as a useful learning tool for the power community.

Simulation Tools for Power Electronics Courses Based on Java Technologies

This paper presents interactive power electronics educational tools. These interactive tools make use of the benefits of Java language to provide a dynamic and interactive approach to simulating steady-state ideal rectifiers (uncontrolled and controlled; single-phase and three-phase). Additionally, this paper discusses the development and use of Java applet programs to assist the teaching of conventional power electronics rectifier circuits and to serve as a first design tool for basic laboratory experiments in power electronics courses. Comparison was made among results obtained using a well-known simulator package, experimental results, and the developed interactive simulation applets in order to validate the latter.

Ensino e orientação para projeto de conversores CC-CC através de aplicativos em java

Este trabalho apresenta um novo conjunto de ferramentas de simulação interativas abordando a operação idealizada de conversores CC-CC não isolados, visando o auxílio e aprimoramento do ensino em Eletrônica de Potência. Estas novas ferramentas de simulação utilizam uma metodologia consolidada de desenvolvimento, empregando recursos modernos da linguagem Java, para propiciar um ambiente dinâmico e interativo de visualização de simulações em regime permanente. Adicionalmente, este trabalho apresenta as principais características operacionais das ferramentas educacionais propostas, e, aborda sua utilização como ferramenta de projeto orientado para as aulas de laboratórios no curso de Eletrônica de Potência. Neste sentido, com o objetivo de validar as ferramentas desenvolvidas e mostrar a sua utilidade, alguns exemplos considerando o conversor Buck são apresentados, onde são efetuadas comparações com ambientes de simulação conhecidos, e com resultados experimentais obtidos nos laboratórios didáticos.

An educational tool for power electronics circuits

AbstractIn this study, an educational tool has been prepared for a shorter term and more economic education of power electronics circuits. In parallel with the improvements of semiconductor technology, the development of power electronics circuits has magnified the importance of either teorical or practical education of power electronics course. The education of power electronic circuits in laboratory is an agelong, costly piece of work. In this study, to overcome the mentioned negativities, a tool has been prepared for the education of power electronic circuits. The tool, which has been prepared on C++ Builder environment has a flexible structure and a graphical interface. It has enabled the analysis of working principles of the circuits and traceability of the system response by the help of graphics, under different conditions created by changing the values of circuit elements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 157–165, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20237

Diode, Thyristor and Triac Tests Using PSpice and Their Integration into Undergraduate Power Electronics Courses

This paper describes PSpice implementation of three power electronic devices: diode, thyristor, and triac, performed to identify characteristic curve parameters. Development of these simulation models is used to support and enhance power electronics education at the undergraduate level. The proposed tests have been successfully integrated into power electronics courses.

Development of a Modular Power Converter

Development of a Modular Power ConverterThis report describes the most important details of elaboration of a versatile power module that can be utilized as a part of various converters. Two or more modules connected together can form a frequency converter or multilevel converter or 3-phase inverter/rectifier etc. Initially the module was developed for fast prototyping of uninterruptible power supplies and energy systems with alternative energy sources. The module can be used also as a basis for laboratory equipment of the power electronics course.

Software-Reconfigurable e-Learning Platform for Power Electronics Courses

An effective course in power electronics should ideally contain hands-on design and experimental work as well as theory explanation and simulations. In this paper, a software- reconfigurable e-learning platform for power electronics courses is proposed. The aim of the proposed system is to realize a platform capable of constructing a wide range of circuit topologies and control techniques, thus enabling students to gain a better understanding of power electronics converters through practical experiments. The proposed platform consists of a reconfigurable power electronics testbed, a Web-based distance laboratory, and a user interactive e-learning platform. The reconfigurable power electronics testbed can be configured by the students via a Web- based interface to construct a wide variety of converters and inverters. The Internet accessible distance laboratory system permits the instructors and students to remotely conduct experiments over the Internet. The integrated interactive multimedia material can support the educational environment of power electronics courses and can be executed on any modern personal computer (PC) without additional hardware. The advantages of the proposed platform include flexibility, friendly user interface, allow for distance waveform measurements, and removal of laboratory time and space constraints. The positive response from students indicates that the proposed platform is extremely useful for power electronics courses.

Simulation Tools For Power Electronics Courses, Based In Java Technologies

This paper presents interactive power electronics educational tools. These interactive tools make use of the benefits of Java language to provide a dynamic and interactive approach in order to simulate steadystate idealized rectifiers (uncontrolled and controlled; single-phase and three-phase). Additionally, this paper discusses the development and the usage of the Java applet programs to assist the teaching of conventional power electronics rectifier circuits, and to serve as a first design tool for the basic laboratory experiments in the power electronics courses. Some results were confronted with a well-known simulator package in order to validate the developed interactive simulation applets.