LabVIEW-based Remote Laboratory Experiments for a Multi-mode Single-leg Converter

This study presents the design and implementation of a web-based remote laboratory for a multi-mode single-leg power converter, which is a topic in advanced power electronics course. The proposed laboratory includes an experimental test rig with a multi-mode single-leg power converter and its driver circuits, a measurement board, a control platform, and a LabVIEW-based user interface program that is operated in the server computer. Given that the proposed web-based remote laboratory is based on client/server architecture, the experimental test rig can be controlled by a client computer with Internet connection and a standard web browser. Although the multi-mode single-leg power converter can work at four different modes (main boost, buck boost, boost boost, and battery boost modes), only the buck boost mode is used in the experiment because of page limit. Users can choose the control structure, control parameters, and reference values, as well as obtain graphical results from the user interface software. Consequently, the feedbacks received from students who conducted remote laboratory studies indicate that the proposed laboratory is a useful tool for both remote and traditional education.