A novel programmed hybrid modulation for electromagnetic interference mitigation and current ripple control in miniaturised synchronous machine drives

Abstract

A novel programmed hybrid spreading spectrum modulation method to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission and bearing current in the context of miniaturised and lightweight synchronous machine drives is proposed. The proposed method adopts the combination of conventional pulsewidth modulation (PWM) and low common mode voltage PWM. The offline look-up table for switching frequency is acquired by analysing the root mean square voltage values at different modulation indices and angles. By adjusting the switching frequency according to this table, the spectrum can be spread into the sidebands of the switching frequency, and the harmonic spike can be suppressed. To address the challenge of increased current ripple and harmonic distortion in high torque density motors under overload conditions, a motor model that considers the cross-saturation and slotting effect is presented. This motor model is used to derive the switching frequency correction factors, aiming to mitigate the influence of saturation and slotting effect on harmonic amplification. The proposed method is well-suited for controlling synchronous motors using three-phase two-level voltage source inverters. The simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, showcasing its advantages in terms of computational complexity reduction and significant attenuation of peak EMI currents.