Voltage notching interaction caused by large adjustable speed drives on distribution systems with low short circuit capacities

This paper describes voltage notching associated with large adjustable speed drives. The notching is a normal characteristic of a phase-controlled rectifier but this paper illustrates the problems that can occur on systems with low short-circuit levels where voltage notching can excite the natural frequency of the distribution system and cause significant distortion in the supply voltage. The notching characteristics and the interaction with the distribution system frequency response characteristics are described, along with possible solutions, using two actual examples where problems were encountered.