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Articles in Industry Publications

Convention presentation

Mitigating Harmonics and Detrimental Waveforms Caused by VFDs

  • June 2014
  • Number of views: 5107
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Rick Hoadley
ABB, Inc.
New Berlin, WI

Whenever an application engineer is planning on installing adjustable speed drives for AC motors, line current harmonics and reflected waves are two factors that need to be addressed. Four basic questions should be answered in order to successfully commission the drive system:

  1. What is my power system like today
  2. What impact will the additional drive(s) have on the power quality for the other equipment
  3. If needed, what harmonics mitigation method should be used
  4. How long and what type of cable is used between the drive and motor

This paper, originally presented at the 2014 EASA convention, deals with understanding IEEE Std 519 and various mitigation methods in order to meet those recommendations. It also reviews the types of filtering that is available to reduce the reflected waves, first turn insulation stress, and common mode voltages seen at the motor terminals.

  • Overview of drives topologies
  • The differences between 6,12,18 pulse and active front end drives
  • How the differences in drives relate to harmonics generated
  • Filters on either end of the drive to mitigate the effects of harmonics, as well as voltage spikes and other potential damaging effects on the motor

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