Student-tailored final year project on microcontroller-based hardware-in-the-loop speed control of a wind generator. Issue 3 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larruscain, Gorka; Tapia, Gerardo; Susperregui, Ana; Martinez, M Itsaso
• Is Part Of: International journal of electrical engineering education. Volume 55:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 213
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Digital control -- hardware-in-the-loop -- microcontroller -- permanent-magnet synchronous generator -- pole placement -- wind power; Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; 621.30711
• DOI: 10.1177/0020720918761763
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7209

Abstract

Student-supervisor cooperation was carried out to design the inter-subject final year project reported in this paper. According to the student feedback, this approach allowed gathering his main interests – vector control, microcontroller programming and wind power generation – together, therefore reinforcing his motivation towards his final year project and making him feel particularly responsible for its outcome. Microcontroller-based hardware-in-the-loop emulation made possible to combine the three afore-cited student interests. In this context, the virtual prototype of a current-controlled wind turbine-driven 2-MW permanent-magnet synchronous generator is presented, along with the pseudo-code corresponding to the permanent-magnet synchronous generator speed control algorithm programmed in an 8-bit microcontroller. In addition, tuning formulas are derived for the digital integral-proportional controllers commanding both the permanent-magnet synchronous generator current and speed. Detailed descriptions are provided in order to guarantee reproducibility. Implementation of the hardware-in-the-loop rig is also tackled, supported by illustrative results obtained when running it. The developed hardware-in-the-loop rig is considered suitable for laboratory practices of subjects like digital control and microcontroller programming.