Effects of Voltage Interharmonics on Cage Induction Motors

In a power system, the voltage waveform usually contains harmonics and sometimes interharmonics, often defined as components of frequency greater than the fundamental voltage component but not of its integer multiple. Previous studies have reported a minor effect of voltage interharmonics on a cage induction machine. This paper reveals their extraordinary harmfulness for induction motors. Namely, voltage interharmonics may cause high vibration, which can result in machine damage. In addition, interharmonics can lead to torque pulsations corresponding to the natural frequency of the first elastic mode. Consequently, possible torsional resonance may cause destruction of a power train. In this study, the results of investigations on undesirable phenomena due to interharmonics are presented for seven motors with a rated power 3 kW–5.6 MW.