Analysis and reduction of vibration and acoustic noise in the switched reluctance drive

The authors describe the results of an extensive study into the production and reduction of acoustic noise and vibration in the switched reluctance motor drive. Time domain analysis has been used to draw conclusions about the effects of changing the operating parameters of the power electronic controller on the vibration and acoustic noise. Experimental results have been obtained on a four-phase switched reluctance drive with one, two, or four phase excitation. The results of this time-domain study reveal important information which would not be apparent from frequency spectra. The results have been used to derive operational concepts for the power electronic controller to reduce the acoustic noise and vibration produced by the motor. Based on these results, a successful control technique has been developed. Using this control method, the vibration and acoustic noise can be dramatically reduced without affecting the performance of the drive