Evaluation of Factors Impacting Reflected Wave Phenomenon in WBG Based Motor Drives

TLDR

Wide band gap device-based motor drives suffer motor terminal overvoltage and converter side overcurrent due to cable and motor impedance mismatch, a phenomenon known as the reflected wave phenomenon (RWP) that degrades performance and risks insulation or switch failures, making it essential to understand all factors influencing RWP. This paper aims to comprehensively quantify and validate the various factors affecting RWP through rigorous experimental and simulation efforts. The study evaluates the effects of voltage, switching device type, dV/dt, cable length, and filter topology on RWP using experimental measurements and simulation-based insights.

Abstract

Wide band gap device-based motor drives face motor terminal overvoltage and converter side overcurrent due to cable and motor impedance mismatch. This phenomenon is known as the reflected wave phenomenon (RWP). These overvoltage and overcurrent influences are decremental to motor drive performance and concern insulation or switch failures. Multiple factors dominate motor overvoltages and impedance mismatch, and it is of paramount significance to understand all factors impacting RWP. This paper provides a comprehensive quantification and validation for various factors affecting RWP based on rigorous experimental and simulation efforts. The study comprises impact assessment of varying voltage (100–800 V), switching device (GaN, SiC, Si), dV/dt, and cable length (1–20 m) on RWP. In addition, the paper provides simulation-based insights on the influence of different filter topologies on the reflected wave overvoltages, converter currents and damping time.