Real-time simulation of electric drives

This paper presents a real-time simulation of an ac electric drive. The main purpose of this type of simulation is to provide an efficient, cost-effective and secure way of testing the control part of an electric drive. Therefore, the electric motor and the electronic converter of the drive are simulated using a time-step of about 50μs and an external controller is tested by interfacing it to the real-time simulation. Note that the distribution system and the motor mechanical load can be also conveniently included in the real-time simulation. This new way of testing drive’s controllers avoids the need for bulky and expensive test benches equipped with high power motors, converters and measurement devices. The real-time simulation results are validated by comparing them to their off-line version.