Non-circulating Bearing Currents Mitigation Approach Based on Machine Stator Design Options

Different mechanisms of bearing currents spreading inside the electrical machine are well-studied. In contrast, investigation and development of different techniques for bearing currents' practical mitigation remains a field for improvements. The final common and practically acceptable solution on the problem is not presented yet. Current paper deals with non-circulating (or capacitive) bearing currents. After a short explanation of the capacitive currents' circuiting mechanism, an approach for their mitigation will be introduced. The paper deals with stator winding positioning in a slot and presents several different geometries of the suggested motor modification to understand the role of machine geometry on the problem. The effectiveness of the suggested mitigation technique is described with the help of finite element-based research. During the evaluations, a number of geometric parameters have been varied. The technique presented can be, especially, utilized for the non-circulating currents' mitigation but it offers also potential for further research.