Design of Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulations for Integrated Starter–Generator Systems

The integrated starter–generator system (ISGS) is a combination of starter and generator for independent power systems in transportation. It replaces both a conventional starter and generator with a single set of highly integrated devices. A power hardware in the loop simulation that is flexible and can include the hardware under test is used to test the ISGS under representative field conditions. This paper utilizes the special structure of the ISGS and proposes an ISGS emulator (ISGSE) to develop and test the converter. The proposed ISGSE can be used to test a variety of motor drives or rectifiers including dynamic capabilities without necessitating a connection to a large motor load. To emulate the ISGS, the structure and operation principle in different modes are introduced in detail. Also, the issue of stability and accuracy is discussed in this paper. Detailed simulation and experimental comparisons are carried out between the ISGS and the ISGSE, which validates the proposed ISGSE as an effective tool for designing and testing new motor drives.