Fast Finite Element Based Vibration Response Calculation Procedure for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

The vibration of the stator frame due to electromagnetic forces is one of the main noise and vibration sources of electric machines. In some applications, due to the wide variety of working conditions, magnetic circuit design optimisations are not enough, and the control of the machine is needed to reduce vibrations. Therefore, this work presents a reduced model, to be used during the control, which is able to estimate the stator frame vibrations of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine. Finite Element calculations are performed, and the results are saved in Look-Up Tables and implemented in a calculation procedure, allowing a fast vibration estimation for any input conditions. The proposed model demonstrated the same accuracy as Finite Element simulations, with a calculation time of several seconds. The model was validated using experimental measurements, and it reliably estimated the evolution of the vibration of a commercial machine under varying current and rotational speed. Its potential to test harmonic current injection strategies was also experimentally corroborated. Thus, the model presented in this work is suitable to be further developed and implemented as a virtual sensor in a harmonic injection control procedure.