Virtual Electric Machines Lab using Simulink / Simscape

Douglas Jussaume, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Tulsa, douglas-jussaume@utulsa.edu

Summary

The Electric Power Systems course discusses three-phase systems, transformers, DC motors, and AC Synchronous motors and generators. The associated lab provides the students with hands-on experience in measuring device data to develop equivalent circuit models and performance parameters. Virtual power labs using Simulink and Simscape have been developed to provide the students the same experience with the added impact of being able to simulate multiple cases to develop a greater insight into the devices and their performance.

Engineering | College Upper (15-16)

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Learning Goals

Learning goals are directed toward the development of the electrical engineering student into a professional engineer and are:

Gaining experience in a lab environment performing and collecting correct data

Determining performance parameters evaluating the electric power machine under test

Developing the machine equivalent circuit parameters

Communicating the lab team's work in performing the lab, developing an understanding of the results and application to any future analysis or design

Context for Use

The Virtual Electric Machines Lab is directed at University Junior level Electrical and Computer Engineering students. This is a lab activity to provide hands-on experience to reinforce the theoretical classroom discussions. The students set-up the lab parameters, run the lab collecting data, reduce data, calculate performance parameters, and develop equivalent circuits. The lab activity involves a pre-lab activities to prepare for the lab, performing the lab, and then writing a professional lab report. Performing the lab requires approximately one hour to complete

Description and Teaching Materials

As a virtual power lab, the student requires only the developed Simulink/Simscape lab model only. There are four virtual power lab:

Three-Phase Power system: this model includes a three-phase balanced source, transmission line, and balanced complex load. The student varies the composition of the complex load and the transmission line length. The The data collected includes the source and load complex powers, source and load voltages, and power factor.

Single Phase Transformer: the models involves a single phase source, non-ideal transformer, and a complex load. The student varies the loading, completes the open and short circuit tests while collecting cower, voltage, and current values

DC Shunt Motor: the model involves a DC Shunt motor, inputs to vary the DC Terminal voltage and mechanical load torque. The student varies the inputs and collects data on induce torque, input power, copper losses, output power, and motor speed.

Ac Synchronous Generator: the model includes a AC synchronous generator, complex three-phase load, sensor/controller with inputs for the generator's RPM and DC Field Voltage. The student varies the complex load, performs open and short circuit tests, and collects data on current, induced torque, complex power, power factor angle and frequency.

Teaching Notes and Tips

The lab assignment includes a discussion of the electric power machines involved in the lab, instructions on what data to collect, what performance parameters to calculate

Assessment

Students will be required to hand a formal lab report discussing the testing methodology, data collected, calculated performance parameters, developed equivalent circuit, answers to questions, and summary/conclusions. The assessment will be based on the quality and completeness of the lab report.