A current-source inverter fed induction motor drive system with reduced losses

Standard low and medium induction power motor drives are based on the PWM voltage source inverter (VSI) fed from a diode rectifier. The dual topology, based on the current source inverter/rectifier structure is used in medium and high power applications. This paper addresses some of the drawbacks of this approach compared to the voltage source approach. The proposed drive features: (a) an on-line operated PWM inverter, using instantaneous output capacitor voltage control based on space vector modulation; (b) a line-synchronized PWM rectifier, with DC bus current control; and (c) an additional inverter modulation index control loop, ensuring a constant inverter modulation index. The resulting advantages include: (a) ruggedness and inherent continuous regeneration capability; (b) near unity global input power factor; (c) reduced motor voltage distortion; (d) reduced DC bus inductor and switch conduction losses; (e) fast motor dynamic response; and (f) elimination of motor circuit resonances. Simulated and experimental results based on a DSP implementation are given.