A harmonic reduction technique for cycloconverter propulsion drives

It is well known that cycloconverter drive systems can give rise to increased motor noise and vibration. This is mainly due to the harmonic distortion present in the output voltage and current waveforms. This paper describes research undertaken to reduce specific harmonic components in these waveforms. The aim has been to reduce those harmonics considered to be particularly troublesome in a typical marine electrical propulsion system. Specific harmonics in the output of the cycloconverter have been satisfactorily controlled and attenuated.