VFD motor cables
VFD motor cables
(OP)
We use Europe built VFDs based on PWM inverter driven AC
induction motors. Vendors recommend to use a special VFD cable with braided shield and three symmetrical ground
conductors (brands OLFLEX, HELUKABEL). The problem is that these cables are built to European standards and are not
UL listed or approved. Can anybody advise whether similar
cables are manufactured in US? So far we were able to find
only corrugated aluminum armor cables with three symmetrical
ground wires, but we can not use them since a flexibility
is required. Size range from 1/0 to 500 kcim.
induction motors. Vendors recommend to use a special VFD cable with braided shield and three symmetrical ground
conductors (brands OLFLEX, HELUKABEL). The problem is that these cables are built to European standards and are not
UL listed or approved. Can anybody advise whether similar
cables are manufactured in US? So far we were able to find
only corrugated aluminum armor cables with three symmetrical
ground wires, but we can not use them since a flexibility
is required. Size range from 1/0 to 500 kcim.





RE: VFD motor cables
using them in some of our installations here in north america....for german and italian machines...
i will check again...
dydt
RE: VFD motor cables
Although—that conductor arrangement seems to be the norm for ANSI G/GC-type flexible supply cord.
RE: VFD motor cables
There are some other important issues. One of a big problems
in VFD systems is excessive currents in protective earth
ground (PE)bus of PWM inverter causing control problems or
even damaging the drive control system.The usage of the motor cable with single ground wire would contribute to this problem, because this single ground wire spirals among phase conductors, and unbalanced magnetic fields from phase
conductors induce noise currents in ground wire. I remember
reading a technical paper with the information that high-
frequency common-mode noise currents as high as 15A have been measured in VFD system and caused noise and tuning problems in the VFD inverter.A cable with three ground conductors spaced symmetrically with the three phase conductors develop significantly lower levels of common-mode
noise currents in the inverter's PE bus.
General Electric for their new VFD ("Innovation" series) sets the usage of the cable with three symmetrical ground as
the most preferable option.To summarize: VFD cables with
symmetrical ground conductors have justifiable application.
RE: VFD motor cables
RE: VFD motor cables
RE: VFD motor cables
http://bwcecom.belden.com/college/PDF/VFD_Flyer.pdf
http://bwcecom.belden.com/college/techpprs/capwmtp.htm
(very impressive and informative paper)
http://bwcecom.belden.com/college/Prodbull/NP147.pdf
http://www.manufacturing.net/ctl/index.asp?layout=articleWebzine&articleId=CA204960
http://www.lappusa.com/
http://www.a-aelectric.com/products/manufacturers/manufacturers.html
etc. for more info
RE: VFD motor cables
This specification is most likely to minimize currents circulating through the rotor and bearings.
RE: VFD motor cables
http://www.ab.com/drives/techpapers/ieee/IAS_98%20final.PDF
http://www.ab.com/drives/techpapers/ieee/APEC_98.pdf
for more info
RE: VFD motor cables
RE: VFD motor cables
http://www.generalcable.com
for
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Onshore/Offshore Oil Exploration
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RE: VFD motor cables
I will concede that this cable construction might reduce induced ground current, but I'm skeptical of that as well. If the single ground conductor is causing that much induced current, I'm not sure adding two more conductors will solve the problem. You will still have a good deal of non-symmetry in any random-lay cable.
RE: VFD motor cables
RE: VFD motor cables
your input we took closer look on marine/offshore cables.
We found a cables which perfectly fit the application. I'll
share this information: Manufacturer - AmerCable, Series
37-102VFD, Type VFD Power Cable, Gexol Insulated,2kV rated,
3 phase conductors & 3 symmetrical ground conductors, overall copper braid shield, 110 Deg.C rated, UL,CSA listed,
cable tray rated, sizes 1/0 through 777 kcmil.