A virtual electromechanical simulator

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the use of an interactive virtual electromechanical simulator in lieu of, or in conjunction with, an existing electric machine laboratory experience. Developed at the University of Arkansas, this software, possessing a friendly graphical user interface (GUI), is designed to be an effective pedagogical tool for the undergraduate and graduate curricula in the analysis and dynamic simulation of electric machinery. The program consists of two distinct parts: the controller and the electric machine modules. Both modules allow a wide range in modelling complexity since the user-supplied simulation code is written in the C++ programming language. All controller and electric machine variables can be monitored in real time-much like a strip-chart recorder. In order to demonstrate the features of this simulator, a virtual permanent-magnet brushless dc machine controlled by a six-step 180° continuous-current inverter is presented