An Interactive Pedagogical Tool for Simulation of Controlled Rectifiers

Abstract

Active learning approaches, incorporating student engagement through experimentation and problem solving, effectively foster higher-level thinking abilities and enhance academic performance. Interactive tools like simulators align with these methodologies, but commercially available simulators have limitations; particularly, their high cost and lack of customization features pose significant challenges for many educational institutions. This article presents CORES, a web-based educational application designed to simulate controlled rectifier circuits. CORES eliminates the need for intricate circuit assembly and software installation by providing pre-built circuits so that users can concentrate on analyzing circuit behavior by manipulating the thyristor firing angle and load characteristics, while the application generates output voltage and current waveforms under steady-state conditions, minimizing computation time. CORES has proven to be a valuable pedagogical tool, surpassing commercial simulators in terms of accessibility, ease of use, and enriched learning experiences for power electronics students and educators.

Keywords

• active learning
• educational simulators
• power electronics
• higher education