Plataforma de prototipagem rápida de hardware e software aplicada a projetos de conversores eletrônicos de potência

Abstract

Power Electronic Converters (PECs) offer high capacity for efficient control of electrical energy flow. Until the 1990s, the main application of this technology was to drive industrial motors and efficient power supplies, such as rectifiers, choppers or even inverters. Nowadays, in addition to conventional use, converters are used in a wide range of low, medium and high power applications, including residential applications, centralized renewable energy generation, distributed generation and electric vehicles. The complexity and great variability of the new PEC topologies make it mandatory to use Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), microcontrollers and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) to implement digital control. In universities and industries, these new control strategies for PECs are developed and can be tested through the use of HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) platforms with a RCP (Rapid Control Prototyping) software environment. High investments are required for these commercial solutions, which generally use proprietary technology. In addition, and also a very relevant aspect, it is a project-oriented teaching methodology used in universities to develop instructional skills for engineers, technicians and enthusiasts who develop new solutions and R&D strategies. In this sense, this work proposes the implementation of a RPM Rapid Prototyping Platform for the implementation of PEC prototypes, which consists of a Main Cabinet, equipped with Rapid Prototyping Modules (RPM) that are a functional improvement of existing solutions that focus on RCP and do not allow hardware changes and development. This is an affordable solution for students and professionals who use and operate PECs to build their projects using hardware and software design techniques, as well as implementation tools using the DIY concept. The design of a boost converter is presented, as well as its implementation in a simulation and experimental environment via RPP.