Control Strategies for DC Converters
8 Enrollments Level : BasicRelevance
Control systems and power electronics form the foundation of modern automation, energy conversion, and intelligent devices. From everyday applications such as household appliances and automotive systems to advanced power supplies and renewable energy systems, these technologies ensure stability, efficiency, and adaptability in engineering solutions. A solid grasp of control principles, combined with hands-on experience in power electronic circuits, is crucial for engineers seeking to design, simulate, and implement real-world systems.
Abstract
This building block introduces the fundamentals of control systems and power electronics through an integrated theory-to-practice approach. Learners first explore control concepts such as open- and closed-loop systems with intuitive examples, followed by a hands-on introduction to PID controllers using visualization, parameter tuning, and Simulink tutorials. The course then transitions to power electronics, covering basic components, switching devices, PWM modulation, and the Buck converter with its state-space model. Practical simulation exercises guide students in building and analyzing Buck circuits, experimenting with PID parameters, and applying MATLAB’s PID Tuner.
Learning Outcomes
1. Understand Fundamental Control System Concepts
- Define and explain open-loop and closed-loop systems with real-life examples.
- Understand the working principles of PID controllers and their effect on system performance.
2. Apply Control Theory Using Simulation Tools
- Build and analyze control systems in Simulink.
- Adjust PID parameters and evaluate system response through visualization and simulation.
3. Explore Basics of Power Electronics and Switching Circuits
- Identify and describe passive components (R, L, C) and switching devices (MOSFETs, diodes).
- Explain PWM modulation and derive the state-space model of the Buck converter.
4. Develop Practical Simulation and Analysis Skills
- Construct Buck converter models in Simulink and evaluate their dynamic behavior.
- Apply MATLAB PID Tuner to optimize controller design.
5. Extend Knowledge Toward Advanced Topics
- Gain awareness of advanced concepts such as boost converters, resonant DC-DC converters, and model predictive control.
- Understand the role of hardware components (MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes) in practical power electronic sys-tems.
Prior Knowledge
1. Basic Electrical Engineering Concepts
- Understanding of voltage, current, resistance, and power.
- Familiarity with Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
2. Fundamentals of Control and Mathematics
- Basic knowledge of system dynamics and feedback concepts.
- Proficiency in algebra and trigonometry; basic calculus (differentiation, integration) for analyzing wave-forms and system response.
3. Circuit Analysis
- Familiarity with passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) and their behavior.
- Introduction to Simulation Tools (Recommended but Not Required)
4. Awareness of MATLAB/Simulink environment.
- Basic ability to model and analyze simple electrical circuits.
- Introduction to Power Electronics (Recommended but Not Required)
5. Awareness of converters, inverters, and switching principles.
- General understanding of how power electronic devices interact with control systems.
Keywords
- power electronics
- Control
- PID
- Buck
Elements
1. About this Building Block
About this Building Block
- Part I: Fundamentals of Control Systems
- Concepts of control systems (open-loop vs closed-loop, everyday examples: shower, driving)
- Principles of PID control (visual demonstrations, parameter tuning, Simulink tutorial)
- Part II: Introduction to Power Electronics and Switching Power Supplies
- Basic components: resistor, inductor, capacitor (Simulink simulation)
- Switching devices: MOSFET and diode
- Basics of PWM modulation
- Buck converter operation and state-space model derivation
- Part III: Simulation Practice
- Introduction to Simulink
- Building and simulating a Buck converter model
- Observing the impact of different PID parameters on output
- Using the PID Tuner tool
- Part IV: Extensions and Future Learning Directions
2. Presentations
presentation
3. Video and knowledge clips
Video and Knowledge Clips
1 - Control Theory and Modelling
2 - Simulink intro
3 - PI tuning
4 - Buck converter and modelling
5 - Buck in Simulink/Simscape
6 - Extension