The Use of Special-Purpose Simulators as an Advanced Professional Training Tool Under E-Learning Conditions

Abstract

Traditionally, power electronics has been a complex training field for undergraduate students in the electrical area of the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. In this course, multiple theories and concepts are difficult to assimilate due to the distance from other program courses and the complexity of conceptualizing abstract elements. A fundamental learning tool corresponds to the laboratory practices, which allow visualizing concepts, facilitating their understanding and assimilation. However, the mobility restrictions imposed at a global level have prevented access to these learning spaces, restricting fundamental elements of the process, such as direct interaction with circuits and power equipment and critical socialization among students. The effectiveness of the learning process is linked to the resources available, today these resources have been reduced as a result of the social isolation that is expected to continue in the coming months. To reduce this impact, the development of a computer tool has been initiated, capable of replacing the work of students in the laboratory in terms of direct interaction with the circuits, analysis of behavior, and design of applications. The tool is a circuit simulator specifically oriented to the area of power electronics, which is why it is preferable for specific training compared to traditional simulators, since it allows simplifying the behavior of the elements at the switch level, eliminating their parasitic analysis, and therefore reducing the demands on processing capacity, storage memory and simulation time. The first circuit implemented corresponds to an active power factor corrector on a Boost type converter, an application that in itself justifies the use of the tool. As preliminary results, educators have observed increased commitment and motivation of students in their autonomous work.