A comprehensive interactive microcomputer capability for demonstrating AC machine operation

Abstract

A new software package is described for graphically and analytically demonstrating the steady-state behavior of polyphase machines under a wide variety of operating conditions. Implemented in the C language, the interactive program employs sophisticated screen color graphics to show the slow-motion progression of the appropriate voltage or current waves, the loci of the resulting magnetic fields, and the movement of the machine rotor.It can be used to dynamically illustrate revolving-field concepts, the use of symmetrical components, and the effects of synchronous-machine torque angle and induction-machine slip. Screen movement can be frozen and significant numerical values displayed at any point during program use. The user may specify stator voltages or currents with any degree of unbalance. The neutral connection is arbitrary and can be altered during program execution. Input data (stored in text files) may be specified or altered interactively.The program is completely menu-driven and interactive, and contains appropriate help commands and instructions which enable it to be used without additional documentation. Some uses include classroom and laboratory demonstration, solution of student assignments, and refresher training in machine fundamentals.

A Software Learning Tool For Vector And Complex Number Fundamentals: Technical Development

“…Prior to beginning the development of this recent set of instructional aids, the authors acquired considerable experience at New Mexico State University in the development of very applied demonstration software for industry training programs and for academic use in electric power systems education [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . These have included demonstration and analysis packages, incorporating interactive animated color graphics, for investigation of rotating ac machine behavior under a variety of unbalanced (as well as balanced) operating conditions, software for illustrating steady-state synchronous-machine behavior, Fourier analysis and the Fast Fourier Transform, and power-systems relaying (see 1,7 for a summary of these, and 2,3 for discussions of the first-developed program in the series).…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] because of its extensive interactive and graphics-display capabilities. The first module of the present series was actually begun in C. However, examination of recent multi-media usage, and recently-acquired equipment to perform this kind of development, led to the use of the Visual C++ TM (rather than C++) language.…”

Development of personal-computer-based instructional aids for introductory technology courses: initial accomplishments

“…Very successful demonstration and analysis packages, incorporating interactive animated color graphics, for investigation of rotating ac machine behavior under a variety of unbalanced (as well as balanced) operating conditions, and Software for illustrating steady-state synchronous-machine behavior, Fourier analysis and the Fast Fourier Transform, and power-systems relaying (see [ 1,7] for a summary of these, and [2,3] for discussions of the first-developed program in the series).…”