Application Story: Software Development and Validation for the Inverter Control System of a Wind Turbine
The converter serves as the interface between a wind turbine’s electrical drive train and the grid. Its control system determines whether the turbine is permitted to connect to the grid in a given market.
We are supporting a leading manufacturer of wind turbines in the development and validation of a new inverter control system. The company has already relied on our expertise in previous projects, including the modernization of the turbine control system.
Our services
- Redesign of the Main Inverter Software Architecture
- Model-Based Development in MATLAB Simulink
- Porting existing algorithms, including FPGA implementations, to a new hardware platform
- Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Testing Strategy
- Test Management and Test Case Management
The architecture of the main converter software is being fundamentally redesigned as part of the ongoing project. Development is being conducted entirely in MATLAB Simulink using a model-based approach. Proven algorithms from various programming languages—including FPGA implementations—are modeled in Simulink and ported to a new hardware platform. This is based on a standardized, model-based toolchain that connects all components.
Quality assurance is carried out using a comprehensive testing strategy: unit tests with Simulink Test, automated system tests on a HiL test bench, test management via Jira, and the implementation and execution of test cases in EXAM.
The result is a high-performance inverter control system that meets both the requirements of the electric powertrain and the grid connection standards (grid codes) of international markets.
The project team consists of more than 20 specialists, organized into four agile teams.