Speeding up Grid-Link Inverter Development with Offline, Processor-In-Loop (PIL), and Hardware-In-Loop (HIL) Simulation

The Design of Grid-Link inverters is a complex process involving the selection and sizing of the power stage, the development of a control algorithm, and the implementation on to a DSP or MCU. The implementation and... [ view full abstract ]

The Design of Grid-Link inverters is a complex process involving the selection and sizing of the power stage, the development of a control algorithm, and the implementation on to a DSP or MCU. The implementation and development of the control algorithm is usually very involved as testing its response under various operating conditions is essential to ensure safe operating conditions. In order to reduce the development time and cost, a well suited simulation and design approach is required.In this tutorial, we will look at the advantages gained by using an offline simulator, PIL, and HIL simulations as a design strategy to reduce cost and development time. We will show how a grid-link inverter with a digital control algorithm can be implemented in PSIM. PSIM will then be used to automatically generate the embedded c code that will be used on the target DSP. We will then program the target DSP with the generated code and use it to perform a PSIM-PIL simulation to verify the operation of the code with a simulation of the PSIM power stage. The DSP execution will also be tested with a real-time Hardware-In-Loop simulation. In each stage of the simulation and design cycle we will look at what can be learned and tested for with each style of simulation. The design methodology will be applicable for any project that involves high powers or voltage levels with a digital control implementation.