Modern power systems include a considerable amount of power electronic converters related to the introduction of renewable energy sources, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, adjustable speed drives, and so on. These components introduce repetitive pulses generated by the commutation of semiconductor switches, resulting in overvoltages with very steep fronts and high dielectric stresses. This phenomenon is one of the main causes of accelerated insulation aging of motors in power electronic-based systems. This chapter presents state-of-the-art computational tools for the analysis of motor windings excited by fast-front pulses related to the use of frequency converters based on pulse-width modulation (PWM). These tools can be applied for the accurate prediction of overvoltages and dielectric stresses required to propose insulation design improvements. In the case of the stress-grading system used in medium-voltage (MV) motors, transient finite-element method (FEM) is used to study the effect of fast pulses. It is shown how, by controlling the material properties and the design of the stress-grading systems, solutions to reduce the adverse effects of fast pulses from PWM-type inverters can be proposed.
Part of the book: Simulation and Modelling of Electrical Insulation Weaknesses in Electrical Equipment
Historically, the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) began with the disturbances at the radio navigation systems generated by the electrical power distribution lines; hence it was referred to as Radio Interference (RI). This disturbance is an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Although this type of EMI has been studied since the first decades of the past century, it still maintains a continued interest of the researchers, especially with the Corona Discharge (CD), generated by High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems. Because of its design criterion and the concern that this phenomenon may affect the new radio communication systems in the very high frequency (VHF), ultra high frequency (UHF), and microwave bands, interest in their studies continues. In this chapter, an analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum of the CD is presented. The CD is generated at a short transmission line located within a semi-anechoic chamber. To be sure of the phenomenon, the CD is identified by its current pulse, which is well studied. The instruments used are an oscilloscope of 2 GHz and 2 GS/s, a spectrum analyzer, and an EMI test receiver. The results show that the CD concentrates its energy at frequencies below 70 MHz. In the UHF band, only narrowband signals very separated were found, with levels that cannot affect radio communication systems.
Part of the book: Recent Topics in Electromagnetic Compatibility