Rapid Design and Implementation of AC-DC Converter-based dsPIC Blockset Using Differential Evolution Algorithm

Abstract

Programmed PWM techniques are some of the control methods used in voltage/current source converters. However, challenges are the task of defining and solving a set of nonlinear transcendental equations in order to obtain the switching angles. The paper presents an efficient Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm that significantly reduces the computational burden resulting in a fast convergence. The design procedure of a Programmed Pulse Width Modulation (PPWM) rectifier using Matlab/Simulink Blockset and code generation tools for Microchip dsPIC Digital Signal Controller (DSC) is also presented. The proposed approach follows the standard practice to utilize Matlab/ Simulink and related toolboxes as the design framework to develop a rapid prototype system in a reliable procedure. The design procedure uses Simulink model of the AC-DC converter system, drive circuitry, Matlab Real-Time Workshop, and Microchip MPLAB IDE development tools. The generated and self-developed codes on dsPIC 30F4013 are tested with the dsPICDEM 2 Development Board. The output rectifier waveform and spectrum results from simulation and experimental DSC PPWM are presented.

Keywords:

• Differential evolution
• dsPIC blockset
• Programmed pulse width modulation
• Rapid design
• Semi-controlled rectifier

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hedi Yahia

Hedi Yahia was born in Kairouan, Tunisia, on January 21, I960. He received the M.S. degree in electrical engineering in 1987 and the Ph.D. degree in electrical machines in 1999, both from the university of Tunis II, Tunisia. Currently he is an associate professor with the engineering school of Monastir, teaching power electronics and variable speed drives. His research interest includes new converters for SRM, wind energy, and embeddedsystems. E-mail: [email protected]

Noureddine Liouane

Noureddine Liouane was born in Kairouan, Tunisia, in 1963. He received the Master degree of science electrical genius in 1988 from the “Ecole Normale Supérieur de l’Enseignement Technique de Tunis”. He received the Ph.D. degree from Ecole Centrale de Lille, France, in 1998. He is currently “Maitre Conference” in the “Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Monastir” His research is related to the evolutionary optimization methods for discrete events systems, computer science and operational research. E-mail: [email protected]

Rachid Dhifaoui

Rachid Dhifaoui is born in Kairouan, Tunisia ’1954. He received “Doctorat d’Etat” in Electrical Engineering from ENSET, University of Tunis II, 1991. He is now permanent professor at National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology. He manages the studies of a Master Cycle in Industrial Informatics and Automatic Control. He managers of a research group working in the field of Electrical Machines and Power Systems. E-mail: [email protected]