Back-to-Back Inverter for Induction Machine Drive with Harmonic Current Compensation and Reactive Power Tolerance to Voltage Sags

Abstract

The widespread use of static converters for controlling electrical machines and the concern for electrical power quality in industrial environments provide an opportunity for utilizing these devices to enhance the power quality. In this context, this work presents a back-to-back converter model for driving induction machines. The converter is designed to correct the power factor of the point common coupling (PCC), compensate for harmonic currents (acting as an active filter), and withstand voltage sags. The necessary control system models were developed, and an alternative implementation for these functions in the converter was proposed. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of this solution, as the converter operated within its nominal limits by compensating for harmonics and reactive power. Moreover, the equipment showed resilience to severe voltage sags. The contribution of this paper focuses on the multifunctionality of the frequency converter for driving induction machines. It emphasizes the advantage of the inverter in improving power quality in industrial environments through reactive power compensation and harmonic current compensation, thus functioning as an active power filter. Additionally, it is worth highlighting its ability to handle voltage dips. In this regard, this paper contributes by providing an operational strategy for driving the induction machine during such transients.

Keywords

• back-to-back converter
• harmonic compensation
• power factor correction
• voltage sags
• induction motor drive