Load-commutated inverters (LCI's) are often used to supply dual-three-phase synchronous motors in high-power variable-speed applications. A pair of LCIs is used in this arrangement to feed the two motor three-phase winding sets. In order to cope with inter-harmonic issues, a drive configuration with an interconnection of the two LCI dc-links has been proposed. In this paper, such a drive design is shown to produce an increased voltage stress on motor windings compared with traditional configurations. The problem is investigated in the paper by proposing an algebraic algorithm capable of predicting the steady-state voltage waveform applied to the motor terminals and arising between the star points of the two winding sets. Unlike conventional dynamic simulations, the proposed approach gives practically instantaneous results, making it possible to quickly investigate a wide number of possible operating conditions. Furthermore, it requires a limited knowledge of system parameters, which are often hardly available. Its reliability and accuracy are assessed by comparison with measurements on a test drive system and examples are given of the method application to the sizing of motor insulation system.
