The Impact of Modern Power Electronic Converters on Machine Insulation
Professor Jiabin Wang from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield kicked off the first of the Future Electrical Machines Manufacturing Hub training sessions of 2021, presenting ‘The impact of modern power electronic converters on machine insulation’ to 96 delegates.
This training session was available exclusively to academic and industry partners of the FEMM Hub. By hosting this training virtually, it facilitated attendance from different parts of the world from companies including Rolls-Royce, ZF Group, Siemens Gamesa, Protean Electric, Aerospace Technology Institute, University of Strathclyde Advanced Forming Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, The University of Sheffield, Newcastle University, Carpenter Technology Corporation, Dyson, Collins Aerospace and Höganäs AB.
The training course covered insulation structures and designs of typical electrical machines over a wide range of power, speed and torque ratings. The effects of impulse and high frequency PWM voltage produced by power electronic converters on voltage distributions in machine winding and insulation systems were analysed and characterised, and measures to mitigate these effects were discussed. The potentials for advanced manufacturing processes that may improve insulation systems were also highlighted.
The next training session will be hosted by FEMM Hub Director, Professor Geraint Jewell in March covering core iron loss in electrical machines. For more information please get in touch with FEMM Hub Manager, Dr Laura O’Keefe (l.okeefe@sheffield.ac.uk).
Peak voltage stresses in inverter-fed machine:
Peak voltage stresses in machine are dictated by two oscillation modes associated with the first and second anti-frequency of the common mode (CM) impedance of the cable-machine system.
Low frequency (~227kHz) oscillation at the first anti-resonant frequency.
High frequency (~6MHz) oscillation at the second anti-resonant frequency.