Signature analysis of Switched Reluctance and Permanent Magnet electric vehicle drives

The paper discusses the advanced spectral analysis performed on two important classes of electric drive systems, namely Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM). In particular, the noise and vibration signatures as a function of operating speed are analyzed by using a waterfall analysis and an order analysis. The harmonic and modulation components attributable to the motor configuration, the motor operating principles and the Variable Speed Drives (VSD) are identified in two cases for each motor type. Furthermore, a number of approaches to improve the noise and vibration performance have been evaluated, in particular by acting on the controls of the variable speed drive. Some comments on additional noise source phenomena such as caused by phase unbalance are given.