Comprehensive analysis of drive performance when using a dc link choke vs. an input line reactor

Differences between a dc link choke versus an input line reactor in an adjustable speed drive can be examined based on several different aspects of drive performance, including harmonic mitigation, dc bus voltage drop, operation during voltage imbalance, cost of the reactor, electric surge protection, and operation for different types of system grounding. Of these performance aspects, harmonic mitigation, bus voltage drop, operation during voltage imbalance, and cost are well understood in prior art. In this paper, the effectiveness of dc link chokes and input line reactors for both surge protection and common mode (CM) issues on different types of system grounding is examined. The harmonic performance of each reactor type as well as the relative dc bus voltage drop are also reviewed for completeness.