A C program that emulates the operation of a Variable Frequency Drive for motor speed control. This project demonstrates industrial drive control concepts, state machines, and real-time simulation.
- Complete VFD state machine (OFF → STARTING → RUNNING → STOPPING)
- V/F (Voltage/Frequency) scalar control
- Ramp control for smooth acceleration/deceleration
- Simulated 3-phase motor with inertia
- Real-time command interface
- Educational comments explaining industrial control concepts
- C programming for embedded systems
- State machine implementation
- Numerical calculations and control algorithms
- Input/output signal simulation
- Real-time system simulation
- Industrial motor control concepts
- Open MSYS2 MinGW x64 terminal
- Navigate to the project directory
- Compile:
gcc vfd_emulator.c -o vfd_emulator.exe -lm - Run:
./vfd_emulator.exe
- Navigate to the project directory
- Compile:
gcc vfd_emulator.c -o vfd_emulator -lm - Run:
./vfd_emulator
The program provides an interactive command interface:
s- Start the VFDx- Stop the VFDf <freq>- Set target frequency (0-60 Hz)q- Quit the program
VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Emulator
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Commands:
s - Start VFD
x - Stop VFD
f <freq> - Set frequency (0-60 Hz)
q - Quit
Enter command: s
VFD starting...
State: STARTING | Freq: 3.0 Hz | Volt: 24.0 V | Speed: 90.0 RPM | Torque: 27.00 Nm
State: STARTING | Freq: 6.0 Hz | Volt: 48.0 V | Speed: 180.0 RPM | Torque: 24.00 Nm
...
State: RUNNING | Freq: 30.0 Hz | Volt: 240.0 V | Speed: 900.0 RPM | Torque: 0.00 Nm
- V/F Control: Maintains constant voltage-to-frequency ratio for optimal motor performance
- Ramp Control: Prevents sudden speed changes that could damage equipment
- State Machine: Ensures safe and predictable drive operation
- Motor Simulation: Models real-world motor behavior with inertia and torque
This project helps understand:
- How industrial VFDs work
- Motor control principles
- State-based system design
- Real-time simulation techniques
- Command-line interface design