Design of static converters: an expert system approach

In order to design the structure of static converters a new approach is presented. Required specifications are described by the waveforms of input and output voltages and currents, which are expected to be generated by the converter. These data are analysed by use of design rules and methods; it permits identification of the stresses on the commutation cells, which themselves lead to the synthesis of the switches: identification of the type (diode, thyristor, transistor or dual thyristor), description of electrical constraints and firing orders. Rules and methods are implemented on a microcomputer by use of an `expert system generator´; the actual system establishes the feasibility in the domain of the direct converters and enables the use of these tools in the education domain; deductions and used rules can be exhibited, making this software a powerful tool to help students understanding the design methods