Power converter system simulation using high level languages

Abstract

With the advent of powerful circuit simulation tools such as Spice-based simulators, the simulation of a power converter system has been reduced to the generation of an adequate electric circuit model of the system. However, this approach often leads to large execution times and uncertain results associated with convergence problems. Alternatives are switched-circuit simulators, where the switches are idealized by assuming zero on-resistance, infinite off-resistance and instantaneous switching. Though these simulators overcome the long execution times and convergence problems, both Spice-based and switched-circuit simulators have execution times proportional to the number of power switches. Furthermore, modern control techniques are difficult to implement. A practical and efficient solution that allows use of the discrete state approach is available today in the form of powerful and user friendly high level language compilers, such as C and BASIC. This paper illustrates the clear advantages of combining this approach with BASIC to simulate power converter systems. Moreover, the use of discrete states, instead of ideal switches, to model static power converters reduces execution time and introduces high flexibility in implementing complex PWM pattern generation algorithms, such as space vector or predictive control techniques, regardless of the power and control circuit structure and/or complexity.<>