Acoustic Noise and Vibration in Switched Reluctance Machines: A Comparative Study of 12/8 and 8/6 Topologies

Some of the major issues in the wider adoption of switched reluctance motors (SRMs) include torque ripple, vibration and acoustic noise. Three-phase and four-phase SRMs are among the most popular configurations in this family of machines, and both have a distinctive pattern of radial forces that uniquely impact vibration and acoustic noise behavior. This study presents a comparative analysis between a 12/8 and 8/6 SRMs. First, 2D electromagnetic analysis of the two motors are completed by using ANSYS Maxwell, which is used to calculate radial force. These models are further analyzed to establish the relation between radial magnetic force inducing resonant vibration with mode shapes of the stator. The machines have identical stator diameters and are tested in similar efficiency region at same output power level to compare acceleration and acoustic noise profiles and compared. Additionally, it implements a controller to maximize efficiency through firing angles optimization in both machines and analyzes its consequential effect on vibration and acoustic noise behavior for both machines.