AVR implementation using The MathWorks Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder

Student: Alan Cooper

Supervisor: Dr D J Morrow

Second Supervisor: Dr M Cregan

Industrial Supervisor: Paresh R Desai & Mark Blackburn, Senior Engineer Cat Electronics, European Division, Peterborough

Indexing Terms: Power and Machines, Software Engineering

MathWorks Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder generates ANSI/ISO C code from Simulink and Stateflow models enabling it to be run in real-time on a range of embedded microprocessor targets. This allows for rapid prototyping and production deployment of embedded applications.

The aim for this project is to use the embedded coder to implement an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for control of a gen-set alternator in the Freescale (formerly Motorola) MPC555 embedded target. The AVR will ideally be implemented using Fuzzy Logic and tuned to provide excellent steady state response and transient response, which surpasses traditional analogue AVR’s, when the alternator accepts or rejects real or reactive load.

The initial development shall be conducted on a 30 kVA alternator in the Machines Laboratory which will be driven by a DC motor. However, facilities exist to allow testing on a number of gen-sets ranging from 50 to 300 kVA.

The objectives of this project are:

1. Familiarisation with Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow, Real-time Workshop and Embedded Coder

2. Familiarisation with a range of MPC555 bases platforms (e.g. CAT Electronics A4)

3. Development of the existing algorithm for regulation of voltage under steady-state and transient conditions

4. Testing and evaluation of the AVR.

5. To investigate methods of the AVR exchanging information with a gen-set engine governor to improve the overall transient performance.