Closed-form approach for predicting overvoltage transients in cable-fed PWM motor drives for MEA

The More Electric Aircraft (MEA) concept has set tight constraints for power density and efficiency of electromechanical actuators in aircraft applications. In order to comply with these high power standards, new wide-bandgap (SiC and GaN) semiconductor devices may be exploited. Unfortunately, the extremely short switching times of these devices can easily trigger high frequency ringing voltage at motor terminal in cable-fed PWM motor drives due to pulse reflection. The resultant overvoltage stresses the insulation of stator windings decreasing the motor's lifespan. The most common solutions involve bulky and heavy passive filters, not suitable for MEA design approach, so the overvoltage suppression remains an open question. This paper explores the influence of pulse rising (and falling) time to the magnitude of motor terminal overvoltage through a detailed closed-form analysis of the problem in order to support electrical drive design optimization.