P. Brochet

Characterization and Reduction of Audible Magnetic Noise Due to PWM Supply in Induction Machines

This paper derives the analytical characterization of the Maxwell radial vibrations due to pulsewidth modulation (PWM) supply in induction machines and, particularly, in traction motors supplied with an asynchronous switching frequency. The number of nodes and the velocity of these particular force waves are experimentally validated by visualizing some operational deflection shapes of the stator. It is shown that according to the switching frequency, these forces can be responsible for high magnetic-noise levels during starting and braking. A simple rule to avoid PWM noise is then proposed and applied to an industrial traction motor. Experimental results show that the choice of the switching frequency can have a 15-dB impact on the sound power level emitted by the motor during starting and that a lower switching frequency can sometimes lead to lower magnetic noise. In agreement with analytical predictions, the new proposed switching frequency that avoids resonances between PWM exciting forces and corresponding stator modes reduces the magnetic noise of 5 dB during starting.

Multiphysics Modeling: Electro-Vibro-Acoustics and Heat Transfer of PWM-Fed Induction Machines

The design of variable-speed electrical machines involves several fields of physics, such as electromagnetism, thermics, mechanics, and also acoustics. This paper describes the analytical multiphysics models of a computer-aided-design software which is applied to inverter-fed traction induction machines. The electromagnetic model computes rotor and stator currents, the induction-machine traction characteristics, and the radial air-gap flux density. The mechanical and acoustic models compute the motors audible magnetic noise level due to Maxwell forces. The thermal model based on 3-D nodal network computes the transient temperature of different parts of the motor. These fast models make it possible to couple the software with some optimization tools. Some simulation results are presented on a self-ventilated closed motor and compared to experiments.

Modeling of a claw-pole alternator using permeance network coupled with electric circuits

We propose in this paper, a modeling and simulation method of electrical machines by electric-magnetic coupled network, based on the Bond-Graph models and permeance network. The proposed approach allows us to easily take into account nonlinearities such as saturation and simple hysteresis effects, and to obtain forces applied on the teeth, with a simulation time very weak compared to the finite element method. This method is very interesting for three dimensional studies of typical machines, as for example: a claw-pole alternator. >

Prediction of Audible Magnetic Noise Radiated by Adjustable-Speed Drive Induction Machines

This paper presents a fully analytical model of the electromagnetic and vibro-acoustic behavior of variable-speed squirrel-cage induction machines. This model is integrated in a fast simulation tool that can be used to design motors with low magnetic noise level on their whole speed range.

Optimization with experimental design: an approach using Taguchi's methodology and finite element simulations

In this paper, an optimization method, based on fractional experimental design, is proposed and applied to the design of a brushless DC motor. Taguchis methodology and a limited number of finite element simulations are used to build an approximation of the cost function of an optimization problem. This approximation allows one to quickly locate the global optimum.

Optimal Slot Numbers for Magnetic Noise Reduction in Variable-Speed Induction Motors

Although many empirical rules have been established for correctly choosing the number of stator and rotor slots so as to limit the audible magnetic noise level radiated by induction machines, these rules never take into account the stator natural frequencies or the fact that the motor is run at variable speed. In this paper, we present a fast simulation tool for the variable-speed magnetic noise emitted by induction machines, based on fully analytical models. On the basis of these models, we derive and experimentally validate an analytical expression for magnetic vibrations due to slotting reluctance harmonics, confirming the prime importance of slot combination in magnetic noise radiation. We ran simulations on a 700-W squirrel-cage motor in order to quantify the noise emitted by all possible combinations of slot numbers in two- and three-pole pairs, including odd slot numbers. We thus obtained a database that efficiently replaces the old empirical rules for slot combination numbers and helps in designing quiet induction motors. Similar databases can be built for other power ranges.

Investigation on Multi-star Structures for Large Power Direct-drive Wind Generator

Abstract In order to increase the power capability of direct-drive PM wind generators with respect to established quality criteria like the electromagnetic torque and the power transferred to the grid, a polyphased multi-star system is studied. The influence of the number of stars, their phase shift and the waveform of the electromotive force are investigated. The possible configurations, i.e. the numbers of magnets and slots, are found and compared.

Acoustic noise of electromagnetic origin in a fractional‐slot induction machine

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply a fast analytical model of the acoustic behaviour of pulse‐width modulation (PWM) controlled induction machines to a fractional‐slot winding machine, and to analytically clarify the interaction between space harmonics and time harmonics in audible electromagnetic noise spectrum.Design/methodology/approach – A multilayer single‐phase equivalent circuit calculates the stator and rotor currents. Air‐gap radial flux density, which is supposed to be the only source of acoustic noise, is then computed with winding functions formalism. Mechanical and acoustic models are based on a 2D ring stator model. A method to analytically derive the orders and frequencies of most important vibration lines is detailed. The results are totally independent of the supply strategy and winding type of the machine. Some variable‐speed simulations and tests are run on a 700 W fractional‐slot induction machine in sinusoidal case as a first validation of theoretical results.Findings – T...

Analytical model for the optimal design of a brushless DC wheel motor

Purpose – Analytical models are often used in the first steps of the design process. They are associated with optimisation methods to find a solution that fulfil the design specifications. In this paper, the analytical model of an electric motor is built and proposed as a benchmark to highlight the optimisation methods the most fitted to analytical models.Design/methodology/approach – This paper studies the optimal design of a brushless DC wheel motor. First, the analytical model is presented. Each equation used for the sizing is described, including the physical phenomenon associated, the hypotheses done, and some precautions to take before computing. All equations are ordered to ease their resolution, due to a specific procedure which is then described. Secondly, three optimisation problems with an increasing number of parameters and constraints are proposed. Finally, the results found by the sequential quadratic method point out the special features of this benchmark.Findings – The constraint optimisat...

Characterization and Reduction of Magnetic Noise Due to Saturation in Induction Machines

This paper derives the analytical characterization of Maxwell radial vibrations due to saturation effects in induction machines, and especially in traction motors. The number of nodes and the velocity of these particular force waves are experimentally validated by visualizing some operational deflection shapes of the stator. It is shown that according to the stator and rotor slot numbers, and stator natural frequencies, these forces can be responsible for high magnetic noise levels during starting and braking. A simple rule to avoid saturation magnetic noise is then proposed, and applied to an industrial motor. Simulation results show that the new proposed motor improves magnetic noise level up to 20 dB, whereas experiments give a 15 dB improvement.