dV/dT

Overview
dV/dT Defined Associated Problems Solutions Harmonics Solutions

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dV/dT
dV/dT Defined
Stands for Change in Voltage over Change in Time

Change (d) in Voltage (V) -------------------------------Change (d) in Time (T) Example: 1000 Volts / micro second

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Drives Produce High dV/dT
Modern IGBTs switch the DC Bus almost instantaneously IGBTs switch time is about 100-200 nanoseconds
This equates to a dV/dT of 7500 volts per micro second

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Reflected Wave Phenomenon
Long Motor Leads Increase dV/dT
Impedance Mismatch at both ends of the cable A portion of the voltage going to the motor reflects back and combines with incoming waveforms to create voltage overshoots
Much like waves hitting a seawall Overshoots can be as high as 1200 - 1550 Volts

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Motor Failures and dV/dT
Motors are tested by applying a high voltage for a short period of time to stress and test winding insulation
Called a dielectric test In done for a long period of time insulation breakdown will occur dV/dT and its voltage overshoots are akin to a continuous dielectric test

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Motor Failures and dV/dT
Insulation Punch-Through
Due to high voltage spikes associated with dV/dT, adjacent windings in the motor can have a high voltage potential between them
This potential can be higher than the rating of the winding insulation Many motor manufacturers suggest keeping spikes below 1000 volts and dV/dT to less than 1000 volts per micro second

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Motor Failure and dV/dT
Partial Discharge (Corona Inception)
The likelihood of partial discharge increases with high dV/dT Highly unstable ozone (O3) is produced
Ozone attacks organic materials in the insulation system Insulation failure occurs

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Solutions
Decrease motor lead length
Under 150 feet Lowers impedance mismatch

Decrease Carrier (Switching) Frequency of IGBTs

Slower switching will lower dV/dT

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Solutions
Use Inverter Duty Motors or Equivalent
Motor insulation should a minimum of F Class
H is the best

Beware of B Class
Common in HVAC In a retrofit application B class will work for a period of time but its life will be shortened

Many manufacturers are using Inverter Spike Resistant Winding now due to the prevalence of drives today

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dV/dT
dV/dT Filters
The best solution
Especially useful when :
Long leads can not or should not be avoided Hazardous environments Downtime is unacceptable Motor is very difficult to change out Very large motors on a roof, for example Deep well pumps Motor is unique Long lead times for new motor or rewind

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dV/dT Filters
Are basically LC Filters
A balance of impedance and capacitance They remove the steep edge of the PWM wave form

Motor Leads can be up to and beyond 1000 feet

VFD can be placed in a better environment

Other Benefits
PWM audible noise in the motor greatly reduced Switching of the output can be done without IGBT damage

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Conclusion
dV/dT is the biggest drawback of todays high performance IGBT drives dV/dT problems can be avoided
Avoid long motor lead runs Use inverter duty motors, or equal Use dV/dT Filters like TCIs dV/dT Guard

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Waveform Without dV/dT Filter

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Waveform with dV/dT Filter

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Harmonics
Defined
Harmonics in an electrical circuit are cause by non-liner loading of that circuit. These currents can cause overloading of transformers, degraded power factor, and penalties from the utility.

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Harmonics
Drives have a cumulative effect on the total harmonic content.
The more VFDs that are in an electrical circuit, the higher the generated harmonics will be. Thus, providing a need for harmonics generating equipment.

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Harmonics
Drives have a cumulative effect on the total harmonic content.
The more VFDs that are in an electrical circuit, the higher the generated harmonics will be. Thus, providing a need for harmonics generating equipment.

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Harmonics
Reducing Harmonics
Line Reactors
Advantages
Inexpensive Ease of Installation

Disadvantages
Does not completely mitigate Harmonic Content Reduce performance if drive has no DC choke.

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Harmonics
Reducing Harmonics
Harmonic Traps
Advantages
Extremely good performance

Disadvantages
Expensive

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Harmonics
Reducing Harmonics
Tuned Filters
Advantages
Good performance More cost effective than Harmonic Traps (Where multiple units are needed)

Disadvantages
Engineered for specific installations Long lead times

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Harmonics (VFD No Filter)

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Harmonics (3% Reactor)

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Harmonics (Harmonic Trap)

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Harmonics
Questions

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