An equivalent and simplified approach for acoustic noise prediction in a PM synchronous motor based on the semi-analytical-FEM model

Abstract

The vibration and acoustic noise of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor are analysed and evaluated. Acoustic noise sound levels, their prominent frequencies, and the noisiest motor speed range are predicted. According to many resources, the radial vibration of the stator system due to the magnetic attraction between rotor permanent magnets and stator iron teeth is the main reason for the acoustic noise propagation of the PMSMs. The dominant orders of the spatial circumferential harmonics of the radial magnetic forces (RMFs) have been investigated and compared. The complete and complicated mechanical components, materials, and harmonics of the magnetic forces of the motor and their interaction are simplified and equalised to a vibration model, which consists of the interaction between the stator system and the dominant harmonic orders of the RMFs. Based on this approach, the simplest and most adequate semi-analytical-FEM model for noise prediction in PMSMs is proposed. This model, in addition to simplification, clarifies the role of the main mechanical and electromagnetic origins of noise generation. The acoustic noise prediction, using the proposed method has been compared with the experimental results. There is a proper agreement between the analytical, the FEM, and measurement results. © 2024 The Author(s). IET Electric Power Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institution of Engineering and Technology.