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A simulation tool to promote active learning of controlled rectifiers
Author(s) -
Chibante Rui,
Vaz De Carvalho Carlos,
Ferreira Paulo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
computer applications in engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.478
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1099-0542
pISSN - 1061-3773
DOI - 10.1002/cae.21923
Subject(s) - computer science , active learning (machine learning) , human–computer interaction , artificial intelligence
The use of interactive simulation tools can effectively support the adoption of active learning methodologies in Engineering Education therefore increasing the motivation of the students and improving their knowledge acquisition. This paper presents the design and development of a pedagogical simulation tool for the teaching and self‐studying of thyristor controlled rectifiers. The application enables the user to vary the thyristors firing angle and to analyze its influence on the rectifier output voltage. Waveforms are plotted using specific heuristics instead of solving the system of equations that governs the circuit's operation which makes the application extremely fast. The software is also independent of the operating system and does not require any kind of installation. In comparison with other existing tools, the proposed system provides a much simpler approach, user‐friendlier, and with an easier learning curve. Evaluation results showed that students reported a positive feedback from the use of the simulation tool.