Power converter control framework for agile research and development

In this work a flexible converter control framework is presented for research and agile development of converter control systems. The platform is composed of a controller board and a software development framework. The control platform is distinguished by flexible pheriphals implemented in a FPGA which also contain a converter model for real-time simulation during control and software development. The converter model simulation facilitates continous integration during control software development. Python is the language used in the framework for C++ template code- and header-generation for modules. The framework include a Matlab/Simulink wrapper so dedicated control modules can be developed and tested using a bottom-up approach in the Simulink environment. Test scripts written in Python are used for automated testing of converter behaviour. A build server running the open source Jenkins contionous integration server enables parallel and continous integration engineering, where test scripts are executed automatically every time control software is comitted. An example with a back-to-back converter for a wind turbine application is given, where the converter control platform has been used as a rapid development platform. The developed converter controller implements active grid control and sensorless torque control with field weakening of a permanent magnet synchronous generator. Intense use of converter model simulation and continous integration with automated tests of control behaviour gave a smooth and uncomplicated transition from the simulation environment to the actual converter system, where experimental test bench results showed expected behaviour right from the beginning.