Output filters for PWM drives with induction motors

When an induction motor is energized from a pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter, through long connecting cables, its insulation system can be severely stressed. The high dv/dt voltage pulses at the output of the inverter cause traveling waves in the connecting cable between the inverter and the motor. When the traveling wave reaches the motor, a large impedance mismatch is present which leads to a reflected voltage wave that, when added to the incoming incident wave, can reach two times the inverter output voltage. The resulting overvoltage at the motor terminals stresses the insulation system and can lead to reduced motor life. Various output filter arrangements can be used to condition the inverter output voltage before it is applied to the cable. The advantage of adding output filtering is that the dielectric stress on the motor insulation and the inverter cable charging current can both be reduced. The major disadvantages of adding filtering is that they represent extra cost, they require extra mounting space, and they introduce extra losses in the system. The most commonly used types of inverter output filters are: simple output line inductors; output limit filter; sine wave output filter; and motor termination filter. These filters are discussed.