Hybrid cable for reducing common mode noise in a distributed dc bus system

A cable for reducing electrical noise with distributed motor drives, the cable comprising:

• an insulating jacket extending between a first end and a second end of the cable, the insulating jacket defining an outer periphery of the cable;
• at least one power conductor extending between the first end and the second end of the cable;
• a ground conductor extending between the first end and the second end of the cable;
• and
• a communication cable extending between the first end and the second end of the cable, the communication cable further comprising a shield electrically connected to the ground conductor at the first end and the second end of the cable.

A method for reducing electrical noise with distributed motor drives, the method comprising the steps of:

• electrically connecting a shield for a communication cable within each hybrid cable, selected from a plurality of hybrid cables, to a ground conductor within the hybrid cable, wherein the shield is electrically connected to the ground conductor at a first end and a second end of the hybrid cable;
• electrically connecting a first distributed motor drive to a DC power source with a first hybrid cable, selected from the plurality of hybrid cables;
• and
• electrically connecting a second distributed motor drive to the first distributed motor drive with a second hybrid cable, selected from the plurality of hybrid cables, wherein:
• each hybrid cable further comprises:
• an insulating jacket extending between the first end and the second end of the hybrid cable, the insulating jacket defining an outer periphery of the hybrid cable,
• at least one power conductor extending between the first end and the second end of the hybrid cable, and
• no overall shield within the hybrid cable to surround the at least one power conductor, the ground conductor, and the communication cable.