An improved inverter output filter configuration reduces common and differential modes dv/dt at the motor terminals in PWM drive systems

In this paper, an improved inverter output filter is proposed for pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) drive systems. The proposed filter is shown to effectively reduce both the differential and common modes dv/dt at the motor terminals, even in the presence of long motor leads. Reducing differential mode dv/dt reduces overvoltages at the motor terminals and lowers the stress on the motor insulation. Lowering common mode dv/dt is shown to significantly reduce high-frequency leakage currents to ground and induced shaft voltage in the motor. An important advantage of the approach is that the filter can be installed within the inverter enclosure to achieve both the differential and common modes dv/dt reductions at the motor terminals. Thus, the use of the filter can contribute to enhanced bearing life and improve reliability of PWM drive systems. Analysis, design equations, and experimental results on a 480-V 20-hp PWM drive system are presented. The filter configuration is an excellent candidate for many new and retrofit PWM 480-V/575-V drive systems.