A Review of Inverter Induced Losses in Electrical Machines

Abstract:
This article examines the energy and thermal optimization potential of multilevel converters in converter-fed electrical machines in the form of a literature review. The focus here is on the significant reduction of harmonic components in the phase voltages compared to conventional converters and the associated minimization of additional losses. The mechanisms by which these losses occur are analyzed and relevant contributing factors are identified. Results of loss measurements are collected from the literature and compared in a table. Finally, the collected results are evaluated and conclusions for the motors are presented. The results show that by increasing the carrier frequency the losses can be reduced to a sufficient level. Moreover, multilevel inverters can enhance the thermal performance of machines, while overall energy savings remain moderate.