Using LabVIEW Software in an Introductory Residual Current Device Course

Laboratory classes in Electrical Engineering are often hampered by safety issues, as students have to work on high voltage lines. One solution is to make use of virtual laboratory simulations, to help students understand the concepts taught in their coursework. In this context, we have conceived and implemented virtual lab experiments in connection with the study of earthing arrangements. In this work, software was developed, which aid student in understanding the working of a residual current device (RCD) in a TT earthing system. Various parameters, such as the earthing resistances, leakage currents and harmonics were included for a TT system with RCD connection.

• B. Rajkumarsingh
• S. Goolaup
• A. Galleegadoo

• TT system
• RCD
• LabVIEW
• Learning aids.

[1] Raymond L.Tricker, Wiring Regulations in Brief, Oxford, UK, Elsevier Ltd, 2007, pp. 61-69.
[2] Czapp, S.,The effect of earth fault current harmonics on tripping of residual current devices, Nonsinusoidal Currents and Compensation,
2008. ISNCC 2008, pp.1-6.
[3] R J Dean, N Hunt and M Carter,Effect of load on RCD test Performance,ERA Report 2006-0642, ERA Project 7EZ060044
[4] R. A. Jabbar Khan, A. Mohammed, M. Junaid, M. A.Masood, A. Iftkhar,
LabVIEW based Electrical Machines Laboratory for Engineering
Education,WSEAS Transactions on Advances in Engineering
Education, May 2010, Issue 5, Volume 7.
[5] Salzmann, Ch., D. Gillet and P. Huguenin. Introduction to Real-Time Control Using LabVIEWTM with an Application to Distance Learning. International Journal of Engineering Education "Special Issue:
LabVIEW Application in Engineering Education", 2000, Vol. 16, No. 3,
pp.255-272.
[6] John T. Oldenburg, Using National Instruments LabVIEW Software in
an Introductory Electronics Course - MOSFET Transistor Parameter
Estimation and Bias CircuitDesign, Proceedings of the 2004 American
Society for Engineering Education Pacific Southwest Section
ConferenceApril 1-2, 2004, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.
[7] Schneider Electric. (2007) Protection against electric
shock.(Online).http://www.electricalinstallation.org/enw/images/5/53/FProtection-
against-electric-shocks.pdf
[8] John F Whitfield, The electrician-s guide to the 17th edition of the IEE
Wiring regulations BS 7671:2011 and part P of building regulations,
E.P.A press, Wendens Ambo, Salfron Walden, UK, p.108.