Model-based software development is a widely accepted practice in the automotive industry, motivated by the software's safety critical nature and the need for the development and testing process to comply with the ISO 26262 standard. With the availability of accurate physical plant models (e.g. motor drive), software testing can start early in the development process, allowing you to discover and fix problems as soon as they arise.
Model-based software development workflow usually goes through three stages: Model in the Loop (MIL), Software in the Loop (SIL), and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) or Controller HIL (C-HIL). For traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the model fidelity of the physical subsystem is easy to maintain throughout development stages (it is relatively easy to achieve real-time simulation). However, in electric vehicles (EV), it has been challenging to obtain the required model fidelity for real-time HIL simulation.
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- Software is becoming a key value generator for Variable Frequency Drives
- New control algorithm development is driven by new motor designs, new semiconductor switches, and more powerful processors
- System level interoperability requirements are constantly expanding
- Modular power converter design has become a standard
- Grid code compliance is becoming a requirement
- Software lifecycle maintenance complexity is exploding
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Topics:
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
hardware in the loop,
HIL,
Energy,
smart grid converters,
HIL simulation,
motor drives,
variable speed drives
- Ultra-high fidelity redefined.
- 200ns simulation time step.
- 3.5 ns digital input sampling.
- The most accurate 100kHz Dual-active bridge (DAB) model.
- JMAG-RT FEM machine model import.
- HIL connectivity exploded: USB3.0, Ethernet, GB/s serial link, JTAG, General Purpose IO (GPIO)
While automotive and aerospace industries have already adopted model based HIL testing, power electronics industry is only playing a catch up. The good news is that the 4th generation HIL is delivering the unprecedented model fidelity needed for the most advanced motor drives and automotive power electronics applications.
High switching frequency converters, new wide-bandgap semiconductors, and new topologies are fueling the need for next generation controllers that are demanding HIL testing with ever smaller simulation time steps; faster gate drive sampling times; smaller loop-back latencies; and increasing model fidelity (including nonlinearities, spatial harmonics etc.).
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Topics:
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
HIL,
smart grid converters,
power electronics design,
controller design,
HIL simulation,
motor drives
This article is the third in a series from the Microgrid Conference Panel 2019 – Making Sure Your Microgrid Will Work: Risk Reduction with Controller Hardware In the Loop (C-HIL) and Model-based Engineering
Andy Haun, CTO of Schneider Electric’s microgrid business, was one of the panelists at the Microgrid Conference 2019. He has led many key product development and technical innovations at Schneider Electric to simplify and enable effective grid-edge solutions including battery-based energy storage with highly-efficient inverters for distributed energy resources.
Andy talked about how Schneider Electric used model-based system engineering and microgrid Hardware-in-the-Loop testing for designing and testing power systems controls.
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Topics:
Smart Inverters,
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
hardware in the loop,
Digital Twin,
smart grid converters,
grid code compliance,
low voltage ride through,
advanced smart grid converters,
advanced grid support functions,
model microgrids,
microgrid hardware in the loop,
microgrid testbed,
power systems,
mbse
This article is the second in a series from the Microgrid Conference Panel 2019 – Making Sure Your Microgrid Will Work: Risk Reduction with Controller Hardware In the Loop (C-HIL) and Model-based Engineering
Qiang Fu, Regional Technology Manager at Eaton, was one of the panelists at the special session. He leads a research team to identify, develop, and validate technologies including microgrids, renewable energy, and power conversion.
He talked about the key challenges model-based system engineering and controller Hardware-in-the-Loop solves for microgrid development.
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Topics:
Smart Inverters,
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
hardware in the loop,
Digital Twin,
smart grid converters,
grid code compliance,
low voltage ride through,
advanced smart grid converters,
advanced grid support functions,
model microgrids,
microgrid hardware in the loop,
microgrid testbed,
power systems,
mbse
This article is the first in a series from the Microgrid Conference Panel 2019 – Making Sure Your Microgrid Will Work: Risk Reduction with Controller Hardware In the Loop (C-HIL) and Model-based Engineering.
Paul Roege, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Typhoon HIL, introduced panelists from Schneider Electric, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Eaton, Raytheon and EPC Power. He adeptly described major problems with the current approach to microgrid development.
And how C-HIL and model-based engineering allows for a more integrated approach to microgrid design and testing throughout the entire project lifecycle.
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Topics:
Smart Inverters,
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
hardware in the loop,
smart grid converters,
grid code compliance,
low voltage ride through,
advanced smart grid converters,
power electronics design,
advanced grid support functions,
model microgrids
“If we didn't have this, we'd be stuck using a platform that we couldn't change and therefore optimize. It really helps with confidence.
-Solon Mardapittas, CTO of Powerstar
For this next spotlight, we got a chance to speak with Powerstar’s CTO, Solon Mardapittas, on developing Powerstar’s intelligent energy management system (EMS) with real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) technology.
Based in the UK, Powerstar’s integrated energy system combines its voltage optimization technology with energy storage solution. This not only secures power but lowers energy costs and provides demand side response services to the grid.
Here is the insightful interview with Solon Mardapittas on Powerstar’s rigorous quality assurance process for its leading-edge technology:
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Topics:
Smart Inverters,
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
hardware in the loop,
smart grid converters,
grid code compliance,
low voltage ride through,
advanced smart grid converters,
power electronics design,
advanced grid support functions,
model microgrids
This is an extension of my previous blog relating a ship's power system to a microgrid - interconnected loads (propulsion, C4ISR, propulsion and auxiliary) and distributed energy resources (power generation, distribution and energy storage) acting as a controllable entity. I will be describing a layman’s perspective on digital engineering as it applies microgrid design, building, commissioning, operation and maintenance or lifecycle of a ship.
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Topics:
Microgrids,
C-HIL,
controller hardware in the loop,
hardware in the loop,
HIL,
Shipboard Power Systems,
Naval Microgrid,
Miltary,
Navy,
Digital Twin
Industry 4.0 is dawning, and digitalization, decarbonization, and decentralization (aka D3) are fueling the electric grid (r)evolution. D3, in turn, creates opportunities for immense value creation, but invokes new technologies and design concepts, and change brings risk.
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Topics:
Microgrids,
inverter controller,
controller hardware in the loop,
HIL,
Resilience,
Energy
