Effect of Choke Placement on Common-Mode Noise in Three-Phase Variable Speed Drives

Three-phase variable speed drives play a key role in energy conversion systems. To comply with the electromagnetic compatibility standards for the 0–2 kHz frequency range, magnetic chokes are typically placed at the dc or ac sides of the drive systems. Recently, compatibility levels have been defined at 9–150 kHz for the public network in accordance with IEC 61000-2-2. At this frequency range, common-mode noise is an important factor affecting electromagnetic compatibility. This article analyzes the effect of choke placement on common-mode noise at the 9–150 kHz frequency range. In particular, a comparative study on choosing either two dc-link choke inductors or three ac-line inductors is carried out via mathematical calculations. To this end, single-phase common-mode equivalent models are extracted for each placement of dc and ac chokes. Subsequently, by calculating the transfer functions of the currents in the single-phase equivalent circuits, the attenuation rate of common-mode currents from the motor to the grid side is analytically modeled for each choke configuration. The developed theories prove that ac-line inductors are more effective at suppressing low-frequency common-mode contents, while dc chokes are useful in attenuating high-order noise contents. Laboratory test results are used to prove the validity of the presented theoretical modeling and analysis.