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 Chapter 8

Noise of Induction Machines

Marcel Janda, Ondrej Vitek and Vitezslav Hajek

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/38152

1. Introduction
Diagnostics of electric machines is very interesting and extensive. There are many methods
used to detect properties of electrical machines. Between diagnostic methods include too the
measurement and analyze of noise, which generates electrical machines.

Itself the noise of electric machines is byproduct of the machine operation. The generation of
noise is involved in many physical principles.

Noise of electrical machinery is generated by the vibration of machine parts. Gradual spread
of vibration from the engine to the surroundings causes pulses of air with certain
frequencies. This creates a sound wave generator, which can be within a certain frequency
range, audible to humans.

The main sources of noise in electrical machines are time change of the electromagnetic
fields, noise of bearings and other mechanical sources. Finally, the unwanted noise is
creating too due to coolant flow or parts that come into contact with coolant in electric
machines. Level of noise sources in electrical machines depends on the structural
arrangement and the accuracy of engine design.

A major problem in measurement noise is interference environment. For a perfect

suppression ambient noise is necessary to have a specialized laboratory. It should be also
measured machine have isolated from vibration, which it may be transferred from storage.

2. Basic concepts of noise

The sound wave is generated by vibrating objects and can be defined as mechanical
interference with the finite speed of advancing through the media. These waves have small
amplitude, adiabatic oscillation are characterized by a wave speed, wavelength, frequency
and amplitude. Sound has the character of longitudinal sound waves in the direction of
propagation in the environment. In other words, it is the movement of individual particles

© 2012 Janda et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
208 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

of the medium in a direction parallel to the transmission of energy. Sound waves spread in
three-dimensional environment from the source. It is same in all directions, if is the
environment homogeneous. Sound waves can be polarized, they cannot have orientation.
Non-polarized waves can oscillate in any direction in the plane perpendicular to the
direction of propagation.
Sound amplitude can be measured as sound pressure level (SPL), sound intensity (SIL),
sound power level (SWL) and the intensity of the acoustic energy (SED). The human ear can
perceive sound waves of sufficient intensity and frequencies are ranging from 20 to 20,000
Hz. The Minimum sound intensity is different for different frequency and it is called the
threshold of audibility. Range of sound intensity, which can capture the human ear, is 10-12
to 1 / corresponding sound pressure of 20 MPa. Maximum sound level in which
humans feel pain is called threshold of pain. Amplitude of sound about pressure 100 Pa is
very loud.

2.1. Acoustic pressure

Concentration of particle of vibrating environment corresponds with increase or decrease
pressure inside gasses and liquids. This means that the total pressure in the environment is
changing and therefore fluctuates around the initial static value or barometric pressure. The
acoustic pressure is then considered deviation of the total pressure from the static pressure.
For acoustic pressure is valid relationship

= + ( ) (1)

( )= . (ɷ. + ) = p . (2. . . + ) (2)

= + . (2. . . + ) (3)
Where
- p … Acoustic Pressure [Pa]
- … Barometric pressure [Pa]
- p …Amplitude of sound pressure [Pa]
- … Frequency [Hz]
- t… Time [s]
- φ…phase shift
For effective sound pressure value is valid relationship

p (4)
√

Acoustic pressure is a variable and it describing the noise source quantitatively. The
measured level depends on the observer's distance from the source and the quality of the
transmission environment Acoustic pressure level gives us information on the total sound
pressure across a entire audible band. For sound pressure level is valid relationship

_ = 20. ( / _0 ) (5)
 Noise of Induction Machines 209

Where

- p … Static pressure [Pa]

- …Minimum value of static pressure, which is able to capture the human ear [Pa]

2.2. Sound power level

Mechanical vibrations are transmitted in form of mechanical energy from the source
through acoustic waves. Sound power level is called the energy that passes per unit time
over surface. For sound output, we can write the relationship

P = p . v. A (6)

Where

P … Sound power level [W]

p … Acoustic pressure [Pa]
v… Vibration velocity of particles m/s
A… Area m

The sound power level depend on the the environment parameters and distance from the
measurement point. The sound power level can be expressed as

L = 20. log +k (7)

Where

k… constant

2.3. Acoustic intensity

Acoustic intensity is a vector quantity that describes the amount and direction of flow of
acoustic energy in the environment. Vector of acoustic intensity is time-change of
instantaneous sound pressure and it is corresponding instantaneous speed of vibrating
particle environment in the same place

= ( ). ( ) (8)
Where
I… Acoustic intensity /

3. Noise sources
From the physical point of view, mechanical sound is waves in a flexible environment. The
Frequency range of sound audibly for human ear is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The sound
spreads in all directions from resources by transmitting acoustic wave energy. Division by
frequencies of sound waves:
210 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

 Infrasound - up to 20Hz
 Low frequency - 20Hz to 40Hz
 RF - 8kHz to 16kHz
 Ultrasound - 20kHz over

Dividing the sound by timing:

 Steady
 variable
 intermittent
 pulse

The interest noise frequency is over 1000 Hz for induction machines. Noise of Electrical
Machines is characterized as a set of sounds that are caused by rapid changes in air
pressure. These changes cause most commonly:

 Vibration of machine parts or the whole of its surface

 Aerodynamic phenomena that lead to pulsation of pressure near the machine

Basic sources of noise are induction motors (see diagram):

 Electromagnetic source
 The mechanical source
 The aerodynamic source

Self

Mechanical Load induced Bearing

Noise Sources Aerodynamic Auxiliaries Balancing

Electromagnetic Non-uniform air-gap

Figure 1. Division of noise sources in electrical machines

The noise from electromagnetic source is the most typical component noise of electrical
machine. Its cause is the vibration of motor body, or other parts of the machine on which
work the electromagnetic forces. Frequency Spectrum noise of the electromagnetic source
has discrete character, while there is very distinct directional radiation characteristics of this
component in many cases.

Determining the influence of this component on the overall noise of electric machine is often
simply done so, that after switching off the machine from the network is observed decline in
 Noise of Induction Machines 211

the acoustic signal in time. If is this decline immediately, then it is obviously a component of
the noise of electromagnetic origin. Another method of investigation is the measurement of
electromagnetic noise spectrum for different values of power - or even frequency.

Noise origin of ventilation is crucial observe especially in machines with high rotational
speed. Detailed analysis of the fan noise shows that the main source in this case is very fan
with its nearest surroundings. It is the decisive exceeds other sources of noise, which can be,
for example rotor wings, radial or axial cooling channels in the machine, input and output
caps and the like.

Frequency analysis of noise ventilation origin shows that the spectrum has a broadband
character, either discrete or vice versa. In the first case, the aerodynamic noise is created
from turbulent airflow near fan blade and near the entrance, but also the output edges of
blades. These pulsations are uneven both in space and in time, so the frequency spectrum
created of wind noise is broadband and contains all components of the audible band.

In contrast, discrete nature of the spectrum, sometimes the siren phenomenon can arise. This
phenomenon arise if the fan or behind obstacles (such as a blade with these obstacles) is not
profile of velocity uniform air flow around the wheel circumference, leading to periodic
pulsation of pressure. Then the siren noise is produced naturally.

The noise of mechanical origin is primarily inflicted on roller bearings and unbalance of
rotating machine parts. Rolling bearings can create multiple frequency components, which
have their origin mainly in inequality as part of rolling paths of the bearing rings. In
principle, the noise of mechanical origin has a mixed character.

3.1. Electromagnetic noise

The influence of magnetic induction in the air gap formed magnetic forces; these forces
operate across various directions. They may also have various amplitude and frequency.
Their work is split between the rotor and stator of electric machine. Their characteristics
depend on the size and shape of the air gap and a number of other factors.

The construction of the rotor is the main radiator noise machine. If the frequency is close to
the radial force or equal to one natural frequency of the stator system, resonance occurs
which leads distorted stator system with vibration and noise. Magnetostriction noise electric
machine can be neglected in most cases due low and high frequency 2f arrangement r = 2p
of radial forces, where f is the fundamental frequency and p is the number of pole pairs.
However, the radial forces due magnetostriction can reach up to 50% the radial forces
produced in the air gap magnetic field.

Magnetic flux density wave

Stator: . (ɷ . + . + ) (9)

Rotor: . (ɷ . + . + ) (10)
212 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

Where

- … Amplitude of magnetic flux density in stator [T]

- … Amplitude of magnetic flux density in rotor [T]
- ɷ … Angular frequency of stator magnetic fields
- ɷ … Angular frequency of rotor magnetic fields
- k,l … Variable (values 1,2,3,4,….)

For total wave of magnetic flux density can be write relationship

= 0,5. . . (ɷ + ɷ ). + ( + ). +( + )+

+0,5. . . (ɷ + ɷ ). + ( − ). +( − ) (11)

The magnetic stress wave has worked in radial directions on the stator and on active
surfaces of rotor. This causing the deformation and subsequently cause the vibration and
noise.

The mixed product of stator and rotor winding space harmonic create forces at frequencies

.
= . . (1 − ) + 2

.
= . . (1 − ) (12)

Where

- … Supply frequency [Hz]

- n…. value n=0, ±1, ±2,… [-]
- p… number of pole pairs [-]
- …Number of rotor slots [-]
- s… slip

The mixed product of stator winding and rotor eccentricity space harmonics create forces
with frequencies

.
= . . (1 − ) + 2

.
= . . (1 − )

. 1−
= . . (1 − ) +

.
= . . (1 − ) + 2 + (13)

The mixed product of stator winding and rotor saturation harmonics create forces at
frequencies
 Noise of Induction Machines 213

.
= . . (1 − ) + 4 (14)

.
= . . (1 − ) + 2 (15)

3.2. Rotor eccentricity

The air gap width depends only on position (no on time) in the static eccentricity. We
conclude that the magnetic field in the air gap is rotating synchronous speed. That is given
by the mains frequency and with the number of pole pair’s induction machine. Modulation
of magnetic field in one period is function, which is represented by a variable air gap, i.e. a
function of its conductivity. Static eccentricity is defined as the rotor axis offset from the axis
of the stator. The air gap has a variable character. There is stronger interaction of stator and
rotor magnetic field at the point where the gap is smaller. Influence of the static eccentricity
manifests as the emergence of side frequency bands, which are shifted from the mains
frequency of the synchronous frequency f. For static eccentricity is the angular
frequency Ω = 0.

Static eccentricity is straight-line. The frequency for static eccentricity is twice power
frequency

= 2. (16)

The relative eccentricity ε is defined as

= = (17)

Where

- R… Inner stator core radius

- r… Outer rotor radius
- e… Rotor eccentricity
- g… Ideal uniform air-gap for e=0

Dynamic eccentricity occurs when the rotor failure or its affiliates. Ratios are complicated by
the fact that the width of air gap is not just a function of position, but is also a function of
time. The variable air gap is changing at the rotation of the rotor. There is emergence of side
bands that appears in the frequency range of vibrations of electric machine.

Angular frequency for dynamic eccentricity

ɷ
= . (1 − ) = . (1 − ) = 2. . . (1 − ) (18)

The frequency generated by the dynamic eccentricity

= ± (1 − ). (19)

For frequency generated by eccentricity is true also relationship

214 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

( . ± ). . ɷ . (20)

Where

- R…Number of grooves engine

- s… Chute
- p… Number of pole pairs

Static eccentricity Dynamic eccentricity

Figure 2. Rotor eccentricity

3.3. Aerodynamic noise

Aerodynamic noise arises most often around the fan, or in the vicinity of the machine that
behaves like a fan. Noise can be created too on the necks stator slot windings or rotor. The
aerodynamic noise sources can also include the noise produced by air flow inside and
outside the design of electrical machines.

The main reason for the fan noise is formation of turbulent air flow around the blades. This
noise is characterized by spectrum in a wide range, which has continuous character.
Acoustic performance is increasing with the square of velocity. Siren noise can be eliminated
by increasing the distance between the impeller and the stationary obstacle.

For the fan noise can write the relationship

= 60. + 10. . +∑ (21)

Where

- …Outer speed of fan on the circuit .

- …Outer diameter of the fan [m]
- … Fan width [m]
- … Constants for the correction

The vortex frequency is expressed by

= 0,185. (22)

The frequency of the pure tone due to the fan blades is given by relationship
 Noise of Induction Machines 215

= . (23)

Where

- N…speed [rev/min.]
- … Number of fan blades [-]

Sound power level of aerodynamic noise is

= 67 + 10. ( ) + 10. ( ) (24)

= 40 + 10. ( ) + 20. ( ) (25)

= 94 + 20. ( ) − 10. ( ) (26)

Where

- … Motor rated power [kW]

- p… Fan static pressure [Pa]
- Q…Flow rate [ . ]

Reducing aerodynamic noise in electrical machines can be use the following ways:

- Reducing the required amount of coolant used for ventilation of electrical machines
- Optimal design of fan. Especially the number and shape of the fan blades has an impact
on the noise generated by the electric machine.
- To minimize the noise is needed to prevent vibration machine parts, which come into
contact with a cooling medium.

3.4. Mechanical noise sources

Mechanical noise is mainly due with bearings, their defects, ovality, sliding contacts, bent
shaft, rotor unbalance, shaft misalignment, couplings, U-joints, gears etc. In principle, the
mechanical source of noise has a mixed character. The noise caused by unbalance of rotating
parts and noise of bearing is spread after machine constructions very well. Dynamic
balancing in production serves to reducing the noise of mechanical source. Especially for
machines with high speed is necessary to perfect balance. Also, compliance with the
manufacturing tolerances and technological processes, especially in the manufacture of
small machines is the best solution to reduce the noise of mechanical source. Any change in
noise from this source can mean failure of the mechanical parts inside the motor. For
example, the bearings failure (damaged ball) is appear in the noise spectrum. There are
specific frequencies by individual damage. The very faults of bearings and their effect on the
noise spectrum of the electric machines are now well mapped.

Design of bearings can be either a sliding or rolling bearings. Rolling bearings can create
multiple vibration frequencies, which have their origin mainly in the uneven parts or rolling
themselves paths to the bearing rings. If bearing has mechanical damage, there is uneven
216 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

movement of the whole system and thus increasing vibration and noise of the electric
machine.

The main mechanical sources of the noise

 Alignment
 Inaccurate machining of parts
 Running speed
 Number of rolling elements carrying the load
 Mechanical resonance frequency of the outer ring
 Lubrication conditions
 Temperature

3.4.1. Rolling bearings

The noise of rolling bearings depends on the type of bearing and its construction and
accuracy of bearing parts. The increase in vibration and noise level of bearings, when the
rotational speed changes from to can be expressed as

= 20. (27)

Ball pass frequency – outer race

= . . 1− . (28)

Where

- D…Pitch diameter [m]

- … Rotation speed [rev/s]
- …Number of balls [-]
- …Diameter of balls]m]
- …Contact angle of balls

Ball pass frequency – inner race

= . . 1+ . (29)

3.4.2. Sleeve bearings

- Uneven journal

= . (30)

k=1, 2, 3, …

- Axial groves

= . (31)

…number of groove
 Noise of Induction Machines 217

3.4.3. Load induced noise

In certain cases, the vibrations and thus noise transmitted from the load, which is connected
to the induction motor. In most cases, this occurs with wrong balance or bad connects of
couplings. Uneven distribution load acting on the motor shaft or inappropriate use of gears
may also affect noise machine. The only possible protection against these effects is the
perfect balance of the whole set and if possible an even distribution of forces acting on the
connecting elements. Noise arises too due to coupling of the machine with a load, e.g., shaft
misalignment. Next noise arises from belt transmission, from cogwheels and couplings. It
may also arise to noise due to mounting the machine on foundation or other structure.

4. Noise measurement
For measurement noise of induction machines can be used several techniques. The basic
method for the measurement noise is the sound meter. It is a device which measures sound
pressure.

4.1. Measurement process

Measurement of noise can be divided into three main parts. The first part is data capture.
For this purpose, the most commonly used microphones, or specialized equipment to
measure noise (sound level meter). Their output is usually an analog signal, which must be
further processed. When choosing of microphone is needed careful heed on certain
parameters that can affect measurement accuracy. One of the most important parameter is
the sensitivity of frequency. Worse microphones not recorded of the entire spectrum of the
measured noise. Thanks to this complicates achieve it of accurate analysis results. Other
parameters include the microphone sensitivity, which indicates the size of the output
voltage (mV / Pa), depending on the pressure acting on the membrane. In addition, the
structural dimensions of the measurement microphone and also the type of sound field that
which is measured. Computers are most frequently use for Signal processing. For this
reason it is necessary to convert from analog signal to digital form.

Large numbers of types A/D converters is on the market. Some are stand-alone converters;
others are integrated to the specialized measurement cards. In both cases, the measurement
depends on the three main parameters. The first is the measuring range of the converter. It
gives the minimum, respectively maximum, measurable value. Because the signal is weak
from a microphone, there should be used an amplifier for its amplification. Another
parameter of the A/D converter is the bit depth conversion. This parameter defines the
limitations of this device.

Record Data processing Analyze

Figure 3. Block diagram of measurement process

218 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

Factors to selecting a suitable type of microphone are as follows

Characteristics of sound field Required accuracy Environmental conditions

Freely field for a closed chamber Tolerance sensitivity Noise level background
An important range of sound Frequency distortion Humidity
pressure levels tolerance
An important frequency range Phase distortion tolerance Atmospheric pressure

Tolerance of non-linear wind

distortion
Own noise tolerance Strong electromagnetic
fields
Mechanical shock
Table 1. Selecting factors of microphone

4.2. Sound level meter

Sound level meter is an essential instrument for measuring sound pressure levels. This
device consists of the following components: Microphone, preamp, overload detector,
central Unit, weighing Network, filters, amplifier, RMS detector, Output and Display.

One of the basic parameters of sound level meter is range of frequency. The sound intensity
I has broad frequency range. The dispersion of the frequencies is from lower f to higher f .
The immediate value is indicated by I (f). For sound intensity is valid the relationship

I= I(f)df (32)

Where I(f) = is intensity in the frequency interval f = 1 Hz.

Spectral intensity level (ISL) is defined

( )
= 10 (33)

Where is the reference intensity levels (for air ).

= + 10 ( ) (34)
Similarly, the sound pressure level is related to the level of spectral noise as follows:

= + 10 ( ) (35)

= − (36)

Where and are the lower and upper frequency to half power.
 Noise of Induction Machines 219

5. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT)

Fast Fourier Transformation is one of the most common mathematical functions, which is
used for noise analysis of electrical machines. The Fast Fourier Transformation is applied in
an increasing scale in science, engineering, and technology. The use of complex exponentials
has often been convenient rather than fundamental. Most signals and functions used in real
applications are real rather than complex. In areas such as digital filtering, convolution,
correlation, image processing, and partial differential equations, the actual signals or
functions, are real, but they are considered to be the real part of a complex quantity in order
to be able to use the complex formulation of Fourier series and transforms. The complex
Fourier transform (CFT) of a signal ( ) − ∞ ≤ ≤ −∞ with finite energy, is defined as

( )= ( ). . . .
(37)

The inverse complex Fourier transform (ICFT) is given by

( )= ( ). . . . .
(38)

The real Fourier transform (RFT) of ( ) can be defined as

( )=2 ( ). 2. . . + Ɵ( ) (39)

0, ≥0
Where: Ɵ( ) =
, <0

The inverse real Fourier transform (IRFT) is given by

( )= ( ). 2. . . + Ɵ( ) (40)

Equation (3) and (5) can be written for ≥ 0 as follows

( )=2 ( ). (2. . . ) (41)

( )=2 ( ). (2. . . ) (42)

And

( )= ( ). (2. . . ) + ( ). (2. . . ) (43)

Thus ( ) equals ( )for ≥ 0, and ( ) for < 0. ( )and ( ) will be referred toas the
cosine and the sine parts. The relationship between the CFT and the RFT can be expressed
for ≥ 0 as (0) = (0)

( ) 1 − ( )
= . . , ≠0 (44)
(− ) 1 ( )
Equation (44) reflects the fact that ( ) and ( )are even and odd functions, respectively.

The inverse of (44) for ( ) and ( ) is

220 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

( ) 1 1 ( )
= . (45)
(− ) 1 − (− )

Equations (44) and (45) are very useful to convert from one representation to the other.
When ( )is real, ( ) and ( )are also real. Then, (44) shows that ( ) and (− ) are
complex conjugates of each other. Equations (44) and (45) are also valid in the case of the
discrete time Fourier transformation. In addition, they are valid for Fourier series and the
discrete Fourier transforms with the replacement of fby the frequency index n. The RFT
relations given by (43) can be proven by using (44), and writing (38) as

( )= ( )− ( ). . . . . (− ) − (− ) . . . . .
. + . (46)

Then

( )= ( ). (2. . . ) + ( ). (2. . . ) (47)

6. Measurement noise of induction machines

6.1. Disturbed surroundings
Surrounding noise sources have an impact on the measurement of electrical machinery. It is
not always possible to perform measurements in specialized laboratories, which are
perfectly sound-insulated. To laboratory measurement can penetrate the noise from nearby
sources (see Fig. 4), which is inaudible to the human ear. The interference from other sources
can be created undesirable frequencies in the frequency band.

a) Noise detected in the laboratory b)Fast Fourier Transformation of laboratory noise

Figure 4. Noise measurement in the laboratory when the machine is switched off

Interference of other sources in the neighborhood of workplace cannot be directly

prevented, but you can minimize their impact on analysis of the measured signal. Before the
measurements it must be made measurement ambient noise before the main measurements.
It is necessary to determine whether the background noise is random, or it is periodically
repeated. In the case of random noise is preferable to wait to other time of measurement or it
must count with errors in the measurement. In the event that can be measurement of noise
repeated. Can be recorded the extent of spectral interference with which will be calculate
when evaluating the measured results. From Spectral analyses of interference is possible to
 Noise of Induction Machines 221

determine the proportion of individual harmonics. These harmonic then they can be the
"subtracted" from the noise levels of electrical machines.

The next part of the measurement was performed on the induction motor which worked
without a load. The electric motor was loosely placed on a foam board. This board was for
suppression the transmission of vibrations from the surroundings. External vibrations are
not desirable for accurate measurements.
Measurement noise of electric machine, that is run, is shown in Fig. 5. As seen from the
measured values, that the noise level is constantly fluctuating.

0.3

0.2

0.1

-0.1

-0.2

-0.3

-0.4
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
Samples

Figure 5. Noise of induction machines - no load

Figure 6. Noise of induction machine – 1 rotation

6.2. Noise of induction machine

On Fig. 7 is an analysis of the measured noise using MATLAB. Specifically, was carried Fast
Fourier Transform (FFT). Dominant frequency is 600 Hz. This frequency is multiple of
power supply frequency. It is a frequency of radial forces. In measurement signal can be
involved many harmonics frequencies of radial forces. Than we can write equation

fv  6.k. f (48)

Where

- fv … Frequency of radial force [Hz]

- f … Power supply frequency [Hz]
- k… Number (k=1, 2, 3, …..)
For = 50 are frequencies of radial forces = 300, 600, 900, … .
222 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Frequence [Hz]

Figure 7. Fast Fourier Transformation of induction machine noise

It was done measurements eccentricity of rotor. Eccentricity of rotor is shown in Fig. 9. From
the measured values it was found that the largest deviations occur in the range of
approximately 120 degrees.
When comparing the noise of induction machines recorded on one rotation and values of
rotor eccentricity can see a connection. In both cases (Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) appeared larger
deflection in the range of 120 degrees. Extreme deviation is in a different quadrant in each
graph. This is due to the different measurement principles. Noise measurements done
digitally, while measuring the eccentricity was used mechanical method. It was therefore
not possible to accurately determine the initial rotor position in both measurements.
it can be argued that the noise of induction machines is generated of the rotor who has
eccentricity. Given that the, that machine is equipped with a ventilator, there are two
sources of noise. The influence of the fan but will not cause displacement of only a specific
part of one rotation.
Given that the measured induction motor was not equipped with cooling system (fan) can
be assumed, that the vibration and thus the noise are produced only by electromagnetic
source and mechanical source.

Figure 8. Noise envelope – 1 rotation

 Noise of Induction Machines 223

Figure 9. Rotor Eccentricity - Mechanical measurement

Analyze of noise was performed on the one rotation of rotor. The Fig 5 shows the noise
levels depending on the position of the rotor. As the graph shows it is to generate greater
levels of noise in the position of the rotor from 300 to 60 degrees (about 120 degrees).

7. Conclusion
Diagnosis of induction motors is a very complex issue that has many components. One of
them is the analysis of motor noise. Noise measurement asynchronous machines are the
commonly used diagnostic method. This method is relatively simple. You need to be near an
electrical machine quality microphone and recording equipment. Analysis itself can be the
performed on specialized software, either on the spot or later in laboratory.
Subsequent analysis of the signal can then indicate whether the machine operates as
required, or whether there was damage to electrical equipment. Based on the fast Fourier
analysis of noise can be determined which components of the signal are dominant. Based on
knowledge of layout design of the engine is then possible to determine what is causing
individual harmonics. According to the frequency it is possible to determine which there the
main sources of noise are.
A major problem in measuring the noise may be interference from nearby sources. To avoid
the external influence of external noise is possible only in specialized laboratories.
During measurements realized appeared possible link between noise and rotor eccentricity
of electrical machinery. In the analysis of noise is dominant skew in the range of 120 ˚ in one
rotation. In the same range (120 ˚) was measured the dominant deflection of rotor
eccentricity this rotor machine. Given that the machine has not a cooling system, there is not
source of aerodynamic noise; there are only two possible causes of this deviation. Source of
electromagnetic noise would not cause deviation only at certain rotor position, but in the
whole rotation. Displacement of noise in a certain position the rotor it cannot assign too
resources source of mechanical noise. This group includes vibration bearings. During the
measurement was verified that the bearings are not damaged. There are not larger
deviations of movement in rotation of bearing.
224 Induction Motors – Modelling and Control

As a source of noise is impact of rotor eccentricity on the running of the induction motor.
Unfortunately, the verification of this theory would require accurate measurement with
recording of the rotor position and size of air gap. This measurement is very difficult.

Author details
Marcel Janda, Ondrej Vitek and Vitezslav Hajek
Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

Acknowledgement
Research described in this paper was financed by the Ministry of Education of the Czech
Republic, under project FR-TI3/073 Research and development of small electric machines;
and the project of the Grant agency CR No. 102/09/1875 - – Analysis and Modeling of Low
Voltage Electric Machines Parameters. The work was supported by Centre for Research and
utilization of renewable energy - CZ.1.05/2.1.00/01.0014

8. References
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