Effects of Modulation Techniques on the Input Current Interharmonics of Adjustable Speed Drives

Adjustable speed drives (ASDs) based on a three-phase front-end diode rectifier connected to a rear-end inverter may generate interharmonic distortion in the grid. The interharmonic components can create power quality problems in the distribution networks such as interference with the ripple control signals, and consequently they can hamper the normal operation of the grid. This paper presents the effect of the symmetrical regularly sampled space vector modulation and discontinuous pulse width modulation-30° lag (DPWM2) techniques, as the most popular modulation methods in the ASD applications, on the drive's input current interharmonic magnitudes. Further investigations are also devoted to the cases where the random modulation technique is applied to the selected modulation strategies. The comparative results show how different modulation techniques can influence the ASD's input current interharmonics and consequently may not be a suitable choice of modulation from an interharmonics perspective. Finally, the theoretical analysis and simulation studies are validated with obtained experimental results on a 7.5-kW motor drive system.