EMI simulation of permanent magnet motor drive systems

Abstract

With an increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and the widespread adoption of Wide-Band-Gap (WBG) devices, understanding and mitigating EMI is crucial for the reliability and performance of electric drives. This research focuses on high-frequency phenomena induced in electrical machines and the integration of Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations into the drive design process. A novel approach is introduced where a full drive model is experimentally validated using motor impedance obtained from FEM simulations, which is then fitted to a lumped-parameter model with a basic genetic algorithm. The model is validated across the full Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) range for conducted emissions, from 10 kHz to 30 MHz. The paper emphasises the importance of an EMI-focused design approach early in the development process to minimise costs, improve reliability, and ensure compliance with EMC standards.