A Study on Insulation Problems in Drive Fed Medium Voltage Induction Motors

Abstract

The PWM (pulse-width-modulated) type voltage source converters (VSC) allow a precise speed control of induction motors with maximum achievable energy efficiency. However, the rapid growth of this technology has created quite a concern, as the PWM waveform produces complex transients that stress the motor insulation, to much severe levels, compared to the normal sinusoidal voltage waveforms. As a result, the machine may fail prematurely due to increased dielectric heating; high turn-to-turn stress caused by non-linear potential distributions; increased partial discharge (PD) activities due to overshoots in pulse waveforms; and built-up space charge by high frequency signals. The present work therefore addresses the problems associated with enamelled wires and groundwall insulation in motor stator coil working under PWM-VSC.