Research areas Psychoacoustics / Vibroacoustics

Subject of this research is the noise generation and propagation in electrical drives.

Both theoretical approaches, e.g. analytical vibration models and finite element models, and intensive experimental studies, shall be used in order to analyse correlations between the components of the drive and its noise characteristics. The influence of constructive changes will be analysed as well as changes in the drive control system regarding their psychoacoustic relevance.

The signal transmittimg elements, from noise generation in the drive, its radiation and propagation, up to the subjective noise perception by the listener, is subject of this study. Also, the different drive concepts like switched reluctance drives, brushless DC drives, synchronous and asynchronous drives and DC drives, will be analysed regarding the different mechanisms of noise generation.

The main focus of this work is on the switched reluctance machine. From the noise viewpoint, these machines are in need of improvement; nevertheless, they offer a great potential for low-cost mass production. Compared to established drive concepts, the noise problem with reluctance drives is still quite unexplored, and previous results have not delivered satisfactory solutions.

Existing works for induction machines and DC machines shall be brought forward to the switched reluctance machine case as far as possible, and extended where suitable. This leads to a better understanding of noise development in electrical drives, including the creation of psychoacoustical rating methods. This understanding will help to assess electrical drives from an objective noise quality viewpoint, improve their acoustical performance and qualify them for noise sensitive applications.