Hardware-in-the-loop simulation of motor drives for pumping applications

A method of taking characteristics of the pump motor drive using a hardware-in-the-loop simulation approach is described. The models with built-in hardware and software components of real equipment were developed. To study the drives of centrifugal pumps manufactured by ABB, their own control system was used whereas the pumping load has been replaced with the specially designed environment simulators which description was initially unclear. To clarify the model topology and parameters, a double-motor assembly was constructed and applied as universal pump prototype. Real equipment included into the simulation loop allows to decrease a priori uncertainty and to explore the processes that have nether evident characterization. A library of reference and disturbance signals typical for pumping was prepared and used as the models. Hence, the advantages of mathematical and physical simulations were combined with optimal interaction of both approaches.