An analytical model for predicting noise radiated by switch reluctance electric motors

Abstract

Switch reluctance motors (SRM) have become a prominent alternative for electric vehicles in recent years due to their simple, high power density architecture and cost-effective manufacturability. Despite its potential, NVH problems have been one of the biggest challenges for SRM's implementation. Vibration and noise generated by the SRM are mainly caused by phase switching related torque ripple, unbalanced electromagnetic forces from air gap variations and lamination problems. Our proposed model is an analytical noise radiation prediction model which relates geometrical, material and electrical design inputs to radiated sound power. The electromagnetic part of the model is nonlinear with saturation and provides back-emf and flux linkage by receiving design inputs. The computed magnetic energy, radial and tangential rotor forces are utilized as excitation sources to a continuous shell dynamic model to obtain the steady-state vibration response. Finally, surface velocities obtained from the shell model are used to calculate sound power. Utilizing a shell structure provides axial, radial and tangential information on the casing by considering the effect of magneto-restrictive forces of laminations, torque ripples and unbalanced electromagnetic forces. The effect of air gap, lamination error, and stator and rotor geometry on sound radiation are studied through an example case study.