Ways to reduce electromagnetic interference in static electric power converters

Static electric power converters (SPEs) are widely used in the power supply systems of agricultural facilities. However, their nonlinear semiconductor power devices generate significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) during switching. This EMI propagates through power and control circuits, potentially disrupting microprocessor-based control and protection systems, degrading connected electrical devices, and even affecting the SPEs themselves. Current understanding of EMI causes is insufficiently systematized, and existing complex calculation methods hinder the design of energy-efficient EMI reduction solutions. The study aimed to analyze the causes of EMI and propose innovative methods and structural-circuit solutions for SPEs with reduced interference levels. The study systematized EMI causes into three groups based on disturbances originating from electric power sources, power circuits, and converter control systems. The authors introduced a simplified method for calculating EMI voltage levels, based on equivalent circuit analysis of interference sources. Furthermore, the research explored various effective EMI reduction techniques and proposed structural-circuit solutions for SPEs that implement them. These solutions include utilizing transformers with a midpoint and a rotating magnetic field, which effectively reduces the number of power semiconductor devices – the primary sources of interference. The findings will enhance the efficiency of preliminary design work for developing SPEs with significantly reduced electromagnetic interference.

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