Incorporating Variable Frequency Drives into a Navy Shipboard Environment: Lessons Learned

As the Navy continues to increase the use of power conversion equipment, the necessity for knowledge pertaining to high-frequency switching and its effects on the ship's mechanical and electrical system becomes vital. A review of the lessons learned from a recent Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) project will be remarkably beneficial to those that are currently dealing with these high-frequency noise issues, as well as those planning to incorporate power conversion equipment in the future.

This paper explores several topics such as grounding strategies and considerations, shaft voltage reduction techniques, mitigation of VFD generated common mode voltage and current, measurement and instrumentation requirements and best practices.