A virtual instrumentation of electric drive systems for automation and testing

The virtual instrumentation concept has been applied to AC and DC type electric drives. Visual Designer is used for a DC motor and LabView is used for a three-phase, delta connected induction motor. The essential parameters such as the line current, phase voltage, torque and speed, are monitored continuously while the machines are operating on load. The data obtained from the drive systems are saved in tabular form for off-line analysis. With the support of appropriate software algorithms, and development of necessary electronic interface circuits, it is found that monitoring of the electric drives in virtual environment easily yields the performance analysis. This particular application of virtual instrumentation leads to Internet or Intranet monitoring of drive systems in an industrial environment and the laboratory for teaching and training purposes.