Abstract
Within the framework of this study, a hypothesis was formulated that Selective Harmonic Elimination Pulse-Width Modulation (SHE PWM) application in conjunction with a passive LC filter would enable the generation of a sinusoidal current for induction traction motor testing. This approach is intended to simultaneously ensure strict compliance with total harmonic distortion (THD) standards and minimize switching losses in power semiconductor devices. The aim of this research was to experimentally and computationally verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology based on a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter. To achieve this goal, mathematical modeling of the electromagnetic processes in the "three-level NPC inverter — induction traction motor" system was performed for two configurations: without a filter and with its subsequent introduction. The SHE PWM algorithm was applied to control the three lowest-order harmonics. The switching angles of the power switches were calculated using the Newton-Raphson iterative method. To suppress the higher-order harmonics that cannot be eliminated by the SHE PWM algorithm, a second-order LC filter was integrated into the circuit with a cutoff frequency of 500 Hz (parameters: Lf=200μH, Cf=506.61μF). The numerical experiment results showed that the use of SHE PWM without a filter allows for a significant reduction of the total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to classical PWM methods, but does not ensure full compliance with standards. The subsequent integration of the LC filter into the circuit allowed for the almost complete suppression of residual uncontrolled higher-order harmonics leading to a significant improvement in the current spectral composition. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in creating a theoretical and methodological basis for designing energy-efficient test benches for high-speed induction traction drives. The developed system guarantees high-quality supply voltage with minimal thermal losses in power semiconductors, which contributes to extending the service life of the equipment and ensures the validity of traction motor testing under conditions that closely approximate real-world operational modes.
Keywords
induction traction motor, sinusoidal current testing, autonomous voltage inverter, three-level inverter, pulse-width modulation (PWM), SHE PWM, total harmonic distortion (THD), current harmonic spectrum.
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