Comparative Study on the Radial Force and Acoustic Noise Harmonics of an Interior Permanent Magnet, Induction, and Switched Reluctance Motor Drive

The demand for electrical machines has been spurred by rising fuel costs, technological advancements, and urbanization. Consequently, there is an increased focus on developing machines with greater power density, improved efficiency, and enhanced vibroacoustic characteristics while promoting a more sustainable supply chain. This paper offers a thorough comparison of three distinct motor topologies: switched reluctance motor (SRM), interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), and induction motor (IM). The study begins with electromagnetic analysis of the motors, covering torque, output power, losses, and efficiency calculations. Subsequently, the investigation delves into radial force density waveforms, extracting the dominant radial force density harmonics and presenting patterns for each motor’s dominant radial force harmonics. Following this, a 3D assembly of the motors is introduced for modal analysis, determining their mode shapes and natural frequencies. Finally, vibroacoustic analysis is conducted for the proposed motors, with observed differences being discussed. These analyses are conducted solely for the rated operating point, as transitioning to other operating points does not alter the pattern of radial force harmonics or the correlation between acoustic noise and radial force harmonics.