Evaluating performances of electric machines supplied by the sinusoidal and pulse width modulated voltages

Abstract

PurposeMany authors reported the decrease of performances when electric machines and electromagnetic devices were supplied by pulse width modulated (PWM) voltages. However, these statements are rarely supported by measurements performed under fair conditions. The aim of this paper is to compare the performances of a single‐phase transformer and a three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) supplied by sinusoidal and PWM voltages and to find a way to evaluate the decrease of performances when PWM voltages are applied.Design/methodology/approachIn order to perform a fair comparison between performances of the tested objects supplied by sinusoidal and PWM voltages, an experimental system was built. It contains a single‐phase and a three‐phase linear rectifier for supply with sinusoidal voltages and an H‐bridge inverter and a three‐phase inverter for supply with PWM voltages. The tests and measurements were performed on a single‐phase transformer and three‐phase PMSM, where different constant loads and different modulation frequencies were used. The test conditions were identical for the supply by sinusoidal and PWM voltages. The measured data, used for the evaluation of performances, were the input and output power and the time behaviours of currents and voltages together with their THDs.FindingsThe results presented in the paper clearly show that the efficiency of the singe‐phase transformer and three‐phase PMSM decreases with the increasing level of voltage THD. To properly determine the THD of PWM voltage, the sampling frequencies above 1 MHz and special equipment are normally required. However, if the modulation frequency is not too high, also the current THD, which can be easily determined, can be used to evaluate the decrease of efficiency in the case of supply by PWM voltages.Originality/valueThe results presented in the paper clearly show that the efficiency of the singe‐phase transformer and three‐phase PMSM decreases with the increasing level of voltage THD.