ACOUSTIC NOISE IN INDUCTION MOTORS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Copyright Material IEEE

Paper No. PCIC-2000-26

Sebastiao Lauro Nau Hugo Gustavo Gomez Mello

E-mail: sinauQweg.com.br E-mail: [email protected]
WEG Motores Ltda WEG Motores Ltda
89256-900 Jaragu’a do SUI - SC Brazil 89256-900 Jaragu’a do SUI - SC Brazil

-
Abstract This paper deals with the causes of acoustic noise in line. There are three factors which are accelerating the
induction motors and presents methods to reduce the noise development of silent electrical machines:
before and after the motor is manufactured. The acoustic noise in a) Concerns of the society regarding environmental noise,
induction motors has three main sources: the first one is the b) Demands enforced by Standardization Entities related to the
ventilating system which is responsible for the noise level of 2 and electrical machines noise reduction;
4 pole-motors due to the fan speed. The second is the magnetic c) Demands from customers that, often, go beyond the standards
noise, generated by vibration of the core due to the demands, searching for electrical machines with features that
electromagnetic forces in the airgap. The third is the noise meet their special requirements.
generated by the bearings. The influence of the PWM frequency Besides these, it is importantthat a silent motor means a good
inverters on the magnetic noise is also considered and results of quality motor. That is a strong motivation to develop quieter
tests performed on motors are also presented. machines. Basically, the rotating electric machines have three
It is shown that a reduction in the fan diameter decreases the noise sources:
noise emitted by the ventilating system. Related to the magnetic a) the ventilating system;
noise, solutions have been adopted during design stage by b) magnetic origin;
stato rlroto r slot design. c) the bearings.
Finally, the paper presents advantages, disadvantages and The segregation of the noise in these three categories permits
general comments about each solution and comparing noise level the evaluation of each source individually. So, it is possible to
with parameters described in standards. determine the higher intensity source which must be reduced.
The noise due to the ventilating system is particularly important
Index Terms - Induction motor, Noise, Magnetic noise. in 2- and 4- pole motors. In such motors, it is the most significant
noise source. On the other hand, in 6 and greater poles motors
I. INTRODUCTION the main noise source is the electromagneticcircuit. There are two
reasons for that: first, as the veloclty of the fan decreases with the
In recent years, the growing concern about qualty of life is increase of the number of poles, the noise generated by it also
visible everywhere. Especially in the workplace, the noise matter decreases. Second, in opposition, if the number of poles is higher,
has become important due to the effects of the noise on people the stator yoke height is smaller. So, as it is easier to deform a
exposed to it for a long period of time. As a considerable source stator core with a thin yoke than with a thick one, the generated
of noise in an industrialenvironment,the electric motor can not be noise due to electromagnetic forces is higher.
forgotten when it is desired to reduce the noise level in these The noise due to bearings is not normally Significant in
environments. The electric motor has to be technically improved comparison with the other causes. However, if the bearings are
in order to supply more mechanical power without necessarily worn or overheated, the noise can increase considerably (in such
supplying a high sound power level. In fact, the purpose of an a case, the usual solution is to change those bearings).
electric motor is to convert electricalpower into mechanical power, The magnetic noise in electric machines is the second highest
at the optimum efficiency. One part of the input power is source of noise for 2- and 4-pole induction motors and can be the
dissipated as heat, another part is spent by the ventilating system first one for 6-pole and above motor. In Adjustable Speed Drives,
and a third part, smaller than the previous ones, is lost as sound due to the harmonic content of the voltage, the magnetic noise
noise. Nevertheless, this latter kind of power loss, although small, can be the highest source of noise, especially for low operation
can be very significant if the motor noise level goes beyond limits frequencies when noise emitted by ventilating system is
described in standards. decreased.
Obviously, the noise of an electric motor can be reduced if the
motor is enclosed by sound absorbent materials. This solution, II. SOURCES OF NOISE
however, is not generally economical and, besides, may modify
the thermal characteristics of the motor. The best wayto reduce A. General
the noise generated by electric motors is to know the causes of
the noise and optimize the design, reducing the noise during Modern induction motor design trends, following increasing
design stage. Actually, that is the solution expected from the economic pressures, are towards the use of lighter and cheaper
manufacturers by the customers. machines for given outputs. This means high current density of
Just to give an idea of the importance of the noise reduction the conductors and increased magnetic loading. The resultant
in electrical machines today, one can say that, in some cases, a increased losses per unit volume require optimum cooling, which
high noise level is reason enough to modify completely a product is achieved partly by increased air quantities and velocities. On the

0-7803-6334-5/00/$10.00 0 2000 IEEE

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 other hand, high efficiency motors have less losses and motor at high velocities. Generally the noise is composed of
consequently less air quantity is required to cool them. So, for numerous frequencies but discrete frequencies can occur from
such a motor, the noise is lesser than for a standard motor. siren type effects associated with the blades. Sometimes the
Whichever source of noise is important depends upon the noise may be associated with an internal air circuit and escape to
requirements of the motor and its design features. For example, the surroundings by vibrating the motor frame.
a large motor that use water cooling and sleeve bearings to Airflow noise can be the dominant noise source and
minimize noise can be expected to be quiet and the magnetic fortunately design features can be used to reduce this noise to a
noise may be the dominant source and require attention. If minimum. There are two causes of airflow noise, one being the
however the motor runs at high speed and air cooling must be noise arising from high flow velocities and the other from pressure
used, the noise levels can be expected to be high and magnetic pulsation in the air from siren effects. Most noise is associated
noise and bearing noise are unlikely to be detected, even after all with the fans, whether it be from the airflow velocity or the fan
steps are taken to minimize air flow noise. The following sections blades passing closely by a component to cause a siren effect.
describe each of these sources in more details. In relation to the fan design, a radial bladed centrifugal fan is
the noisiest and a centriugal fan with sloping or curved blades are
B. Airflow and fans somewhat better because the airflow through the fan is improved.
However radial bladed fans can be run in either direction of
The most common source of noise is that involving air circuits rotation, whereas fans with sloping and curved blades are
and the associated fans. Large motors can require a high volume unidirectional.
flow of air and this may be induced into andlor expelled from the

Fig. 1. Old end-shield cover Fig. 3. Current end-shield cover

Fig. 2. Old fan Fig. 4. Current fan

As a rough guide, any fan with a peripheral speed in excess of end-shield cover design. Fig. 1 shows an old standard end-shield.
50mls can be expected to have a noise level that requires Fig. 2 shows an old fan. Fig. 3 shows a new end-shield and Fig.4
measures to be taken to reduce the fan noise. shows a new fan with low noise. The new fan has a lower outer
For a centrifugal fan driven by the motor shaft at a given diameter, a lesser number of blades (9instead of 13) and the air
speed, the noise will limit the fan diameter, but the volume flow opening of the end-shield cover was enlarged. With this solution,
can be adjusted by means of the fan axial length or optimizing the the noise was reduced by 3 dB(A) and the temperature rise was

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 kept at the same level as for the previous ventilating system. For analyzed during the design stage. Simulation software is available
a practical consideration, it is used the equation (1) as a guide to in order to give to the designers the best configuration to minimize
estimate the noise level (A-weighted sound pressure level) emitted magnetic noise and vibration. The two most useful techniques are
by induction motors fans: the proper choice of stator and rotor number of slots and the
skewing of the rotor slots.
L[dB(A)] = 24.4 fi (1 1
The induction harmonic calculation as well as the
determination method of magnetic noise were early presented by
Jordan [3] in 1950. Nevertheless,the magnetic noise calculation
Where Vp is the peripheral speed in [m/s] requires thousands of combinations between the harmonics.
Equation (1) is valid only for TEFC motors. Therefore, a reliable and fast determination of magnetic noise
Siren effects arise when the fan is close to a component; for became possible only after the computers appearance.
example the fan may be close to a screw. The air may now It is not easy to determine correctly the magnetic noise. The
experience pulsation as each blade passes the component and accuracy of the results is reduced by the hypothesis which are
this will cause discrete frequency noise in the airflow, even at low necessary to eliminate some randomic influences of the motor
flow velocities. In extreme cases part of the airflow circuit may manufacturing process. However, the magnetic noise
resonate. determination is accurate in relation to the frequencies involved.
The frequencies experienced will be related to the number of
fan blades, for example a fan with 9 blades rotating at 3600 rpm I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~

(60 rps) gives a frequency of 540 Hz (9 times 60). To reduce

noise, the number of fan blades does not have an obvious
LinearDensityofCurrent I
relationshipwith another component in order to avoid resonance.
Silencers can be fitted to airflow circuits that effectively V
attenuate the noise levels. Typically the highest sound levels occur Airgap Permeance
at the octave bands centered on 500 and 1000 Hz and silencing
can reduce the sound level by 15 to 20 dB(A) at these frequencies
on some motors.

C. Magnetic noise

The main source of magnetic noise is the force wave +

produced by rotating magnetic field. Since this is the means by I
which power is transferred from stator to rotor, some degree of
noise is unavoidable. The problem is accentuated by the harmonic
b (x,t) = c
Airgap Induction
Bv cos(kx - 0,t - (bv )
content of the field. The deflection of the stator core is I V
J
approximately proportional to the square of the air gap flux
densty. The number of stator and rotor slots is determined by the I
number of poles and size of the motor and the need to minimize
noise, stray load losses and also synchronous and asynchronous Radial Pressure Waves
torque. F, (x,t)=Frcos(rx-w, t-(br)
The choice is inevitably a compromise, and it may not always
be possible to choose the quietest combination. If one of the
various exciting frequencies present in induction motors coincides
with the natural frequency of either the stator teeth or core, then
resonance can occur. However, noise with double-line frequency,
1
e. g. 120 Hz, is always present. I Stator Deformation Amplitude I
Mechanical unbalance, together with radial forces arising from
the effects of unbalanced magnetic pull on the rotor, can cause
r, (x,t)=yrcos(rx-Orl-@r)
shaft vibrations which may appear as noise in some cases.
The noise of magnetic origin in electric machines is generated
by the interaction of the induction waves (fundamental and
harmonics) present in the air gap. These waves are variable in
space and time and exist because of the winding distribution and Sound Pressure Level on the stator surface
variation of the air gap permeance due to the stator and rotor L H = 20 log (9,O5 .I 0 f , y ,) + 1 0 log P,,
slots, saturation and eccentricity. These induction harmonics,
combined themselves according to Maxwell's tensor expression
(2), generate periodic force waves in the airgap deforming the Fig. 5.Magnetic noise generation scheme
stator core and exciting the surrounding air. This way, the acoustic
noise is generated. Fig. 5 shows this situation. 1) Radial force waves: On the stator surface in contact with
In Fig. 5, Prel is a correction in sound pressure level that the airgap, i. e., in the boundary between two regions with
considers the cylindrical surface of the motor; fris the frequency different permeability - in this case iron and air - radial forces act.
of the force wave and yr is the deformation of the stator core. Such forces are proportional to the squared air gap induction
Investigation and analysis of the causes of the magnetic noise b(x,t). The Maxwell's tensor expression gives the magnetic
should be usual procedures. All electric machines should be

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 pressure P(x,t) [4,5,61: 3) Vibration mode: The vibration mode r plays an important
role in the magnetic noise generation. It results from the
combination of the induction harmonic pole pairs and can be
considered important until, at maximum, r = 20 for large machines.
Normally, it is enough to consider r-12. The natural frequency of
the stator is determined for each vibration mode. The force waves
Where jm is the air permeability. The air gap induction b(x,t) is, deform the stator according to the vibration mode, Fig. 6 shows
actually, the sum of the fundamental induction wave with alf these deformations.
harmonics due to winding distribution, stator and rotor slots, For r = 0, the force has a uniform distribution along stator
saturation and eccentricity (31. bore, varying in time. For r = 1, there is a rotating radial force
According to [4,5], generally, b(x,t) is expressed by equation over the stator or rotor. The stator deformations are not
(3) below: considered, only the rotor bending. For r = 2 or more there are
rotating radial forces applied on 2r points of stator that deform it
periodically in time and space. The most critical case for
b(x,t) = cP

n=l
B, COS(V,X - w,l - 9;) deformation and consequently noise generation is when r = 2
because, in this case, the stator is elliptically deformed. This is the
easiest way to deform it.
Where:
Bn = amplitude of the induction harmonic
vn = pair of poles of the induction harmonic
x = space coordinate
mn = angular frequency of the induction harmonic
cp1= phase angle of the induction harmonic
p = integer number as high as possible to consider the most
of the induction harmonics.

So, developing the equation (2), the magnetic pressure is

given by equation (B-I) of Appendix B. It can be noted that the p3Dr 4 r-5
magnetic pressure is formed by a constant term, a double
frequency term and one third term where induction harmonic
frequency and pair of poles are given by adding and subtracting
each individualcomponent. The induction harmonics, combined
according to equation (2) give as result force denslty waves which Fig. 6. Vibration modes
deform the stator core periodically in time and space, generating
the noise. Nevertheless, only few combinations can provide a high
level of sound power [5]. D.Bearings noise
In order to limit the number of possible combinations of the
induction harmonics, it is enough to consider the combinations Bearings can be a source of noise, particularly rolling element
shown in Tables 6-1 and 8-2 of the Appendix B. bearings. Ball or sleeve bearings do not emit significant noise,
Actually, the most important source of magnetic noise in unless they are wom or overheated. The intensity of bearing noise
induction motors is the combination of the stator induction is seldom heard above-the air flow noise on large air cooled
harmonics with the rotor induction harmonics. Sometimes the motors. However, ifa particularlyquiet motor is required and steps
fundamental induction wave combined with itself can also produce have been taken to reduce any air flow associated noise, the
a high level of noise and vibration with double line frequency. bearing noise may become noticeable and need attention.
Discrete frequencies, generally at low frequencies, are a feature
2) Noise defemination: For each force wave generated by of bearing noise, but sometimes harmonic frequencies can be
interaction of the induction harmonics, the deformation Yron the produced.
stator surface, the excitation frequency of this force fr and the Sleeve bearings and all other forms of plain bearings, however
natural frequency of stator fn are calculated for each vibration they may be lubricated, can be considered as quiet running.
mode [3]. The expressions used to calculate the vibration mode Misalignment or other problems may in some cases be a source
rand the excitation frequency frare given in the Appendix A. The of noise, but if this is the case it is an indication of a serious fault
expressionsfor deformation Yrand natural stator frequency fn are developing. Correctly fitted plain bearings, whether on small or
well known from literature [4, 61. The rotor deformation can be large motors, should produce less noise than airflow or magnetic
neglected, because it is very much easier to deform the stator related noise.
than the rotor. Rolling element bearings are relatively noisy compared to plain
After that, the sound pressure level in dB or dB(A) on the bearings but can still be a low noise source compared to other
stator surface is determined, considering it as a vibrating free sources. When other noise sources are low, rolling element
body. In the determination of magnetic noise are considered only bearing noise may predominate. Rolling element bearings are
the radial forces acting in the motor airgap. The proximity between made up of an inner and outer race, the rolling elements and
natural frequencies and excitation frequency is considered by a usually a cage retaining the elements. Any of these components
resonance factor [5] that can increase significantly the noise. may have irregularities that can be a source of noise. Single

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 irregularities, such as a single small dent on a race, produce a This frequency is likely to be the highest, rarely more than a
welldefined frequency and, as with all forms of noise, harmonics few hundred Hertz. The other frequencies may be a few tens of
of the main frequency may be present. However, if several dents Hertz and of no real significance. With several dents andlor
are present the harmonic noise levels can be much higher. hannonics, higher frequencies may be experienced but seldom at
Assuming the normal configuration of the inner race rotating, a noise level that is a problem.
the most obvious noise source is associated with unbalance or Unlike other noise sources, there is little that can be done to
eccentricity of the rotating inner race. This gives noise at the reduce rolling element bearing noise, other than
rotation frequency, given by: changing the bearing if a bearing fault is present. If grease
lubricated, extra grease may reduce noise but this is likely to be
n temporary and excessive grease can lead to bearing failure. If an
f =- (4) abnormally low noise level is essential and bearing noise is
' 60 dominant, then a change to plain bearings, if otherwise feasible,
may be the only solution.
Where
f, = noise frequency from inner race (Hz) IILTHE EFFECT OF FREQUENCY INVERTERS ON
n = rotational speed (r/min) MOTOR NOISE LEVEL
The cage may be running eccentric or have some other In the case of adjustable speed motors with shaft driven fans,
irregularity which gives noise at the frequency of rotation of the reducing the speed has a substantial influence on the noise level,
cage, given by: as can be seen in the Fig. 7. The fan will always be noisiest at the
highest speed and as a guide the fan noise levelwill drop by about
10 dB at 75% speed, 20dB at 50% speed and 30 dB at 25%
(5) speed according to equation (1). On the other hand, for drives
with separately driven fans, no improvement in airflow noise is
achieved as speed is reduced. It is also important to consider the
Where influence of the magnetic noise on the overall noise for
fc = noise frequency from cage (Hz) applications with inverters. Fig. 7 shows the overall noise for a
R1 = radius of inner race (mm) 12.5hp, 4 poles motor fed by a PWM inverter for four different
Ro = radius of outer race (mm) switching frequencies. For switching frequencies of 1.8 kHz, the
influence of the magnetic noise was considerable, sustaining the
Any rotating element may have an imperfection giving noise at noise almost constant. For switching frequency of 3.6kHz, 7.2kHz
the frequency of rotation of the element given by: and 14.4kHz, the magnetic noise was reduced and, consequently,
the overall noise. This shows the sianificant influence of the
switching frequency on the motor" overall noise for VFD
(6) application.
According to (71, the increasing on the motor noise when fed
Where by a PWM frequency inverter with switching frequency smaller
fe = noise frequency from rolling elements than 700Hz is between 7 and 15 dB(A). According to the same
Rb = radius of rolling elements (mm) reference, for a switching frequency between 700Hz and 16kH2,
the increasing on noise is from 2 to 7 dB(A). These values were
If there is a dent on the outer race, the elements will hit the confirm by the authors.
dent at a frequency given by the speed of rotation of the cage and The influence of the switching frequency of the inverter is
the number of elements, giving: presented in Table I for 9 different motors. It is evident the
redlfction of the sound pressure level when switching frequency
is increased, especially for operation frequency below base
fad=% f c frequency (in this case, 60Hz).
Above the base frequency, the influence of the fan on the
Where overall noise is much high. Below the base frequency, as the
b=noise frequency from outer race dent speed is reduced, the magnetic noise becomes important. For low
ne = number of elements operation frequencies, magnetic noise is the main source of noise
of the motor. In such a situation, the overall noise is strongly
If the bearing is of a double type, the number of elements is affected by switching frequency. It can be noticed in Table I a
the number in one row. Likewise if there is a dent on the inner significant reduction on noise for operation frequency equal to 30
race, the elements will hit the dent at a frequency given by the Hz as the switching frequency increases. On the other hand,
relative speed of the cage and inner race, giving: noise does not vary for 100 Hz. In comparison with grid
connected motor, there is no appreciable increasing in the noise
for switching frequency equal to 14.4kHz.

Where
fid is the noise frequency from inner race dent

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 Sound Pressure Level [dB(A)]
80

75

.-. 70
3
e.
- 65
g
f 60
E
55
e
=
n.
3
50

45

40

35

Fig. 7. Influence of the inverter on the Sound Pressure Level of a 12.5hp, 60Hz, 4-pole induction motor for four different switching
frequencies.

TABLE I
INFLUENCE OF THE INVERTER ON THE SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL OF MOTORS
I I I
Switching Frequency of'lnverter 1
Grid
Connected
3.6 kHz 7.2 kHt I 14.4 kHz
MOTOR
60Hz
[WAll
Operation Frequency Operation Frequency ~ Operation Frequency I
30Hz 60Hz 100Hz 30Hz 60Hz 100 Hz

I 0.5 hp/4 poles I 46.1 58.9 42.2 49.3 58.9 37.1 46.8

73.1 45.9 60.5 72.7 44.7 60.4

60.3 58.8 47.0 57.1 59.5 34.4 46.8 58.5

80.8 54.9 68.4 80.8 53.3 68.2

60.6 63.8 56.6 65.4 64.7 46.6 52.9

66.8 53.7 65.6 67.0 44.3 54.8

61.8 I 59.6 43.0 56.5

65.1 I 71.1 I 73.7 I 57.2 I 68.1 I 73.4 46.7 I 61.9 73.4 a

68.7 I 73.4 80..9 I 54.8 I 69.8 1 80.8 3 I 80.7

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 N.LIMITS DEFINED BY STANDARDS

The limits of the A-weighted sound power level emitted by 2,

4,6 and 8 poles TEFC induction motors are given in Figs. 8,9, 10
and 11 in comparison with the limits of a manufacturer's induction
motors,

~~~ ~

Fig. 11. Eight-pole motors

V. THE EFFECT OF LOAD ON MOTOR NOISE

When fan noise is the dominant component, such as in 2- and

Fig. 8. Two-pole motors
4-pole motors, a motor tends to be slightly quieter on load than on
no load, due to the lower speed. On the other hand, if the
magnetic noise is the main source of noise, the overall noise tends
to increase when load is applied. Usually, the difference in overall
noise level between no load and full load conditions is small for 2-
and 4- pole motors, but it can be significantfor 6- and above- pole
motors. Table II gives the incremental expected increase in noise
for on load condition over no-load condition in A-weighted sound
power level for TEFC motors according to IEC 60034-9 standard
(1997). As there are practicaldKicuRis in loading a motor on test
by any machine which does not itself emit noise, it is normal
practice to measure and present noise data for no load conditions.
4 1
"1 TABLE II
INCREMENTAL EXPECTED INCREASE, OVER NO-LOAD
.,
CONDITION. IN A-WEIGHTED SOUND POWER LEVELS. IN dBIA)
ACCORDING TO IEC 60034-9 STANDARD (ism)
I I I I

Fig. 9. Four-pole motors

II

1.O< Pnsl 1
11< Pln37
37< P n l l 10
1I O < Pns400 5 4 3 2

Notes:l. This table gives the maximum expected increase rated

Load condition to be added to any declared neload value.
2. The values apply to both 50 and 60 Hz supplies.

VI. METHODS TO REDUCE NOISE OF INDUCTION

MOTOR

There is a significant difference in reducing noise during

design stage and after the motor is manufactured. For this reason,
Fig. I O . Six-pole motors the recommendations are different for each case.

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 A. Design Stage volume over the motor;
- use sound absorbent material to coat the internal surface of the
During design stage, the following may be done: end-shield cover.
1) To reduce aimow noise:
- design a fan with smaller diameter; 2) To reduce magnetic noise:
- reduce the losses of the motor in order to decrease the need for - make a second impregnation of the windings;
ventilation; - if possible, reduce the loading of the motor;
- design an end-shield cover with lesser load loss;
- avoid components that cause sudden changes in airflow 3) To reduce noise due to the bearings:
direction. - re-grease the bearings and define a shorter lubrication interval;
- replace the bearings.
2) To reduce magnetic noise:
- choose a proper stator and rotor slots combination. As a general If all solutions described above are not feasible, the noise can
rule, IN1421f 2p f r, where N I and N2 are the number of stator also be reduced by using a larger motor de-rated to the required
and rotor slots, respectively; 2p is the number of poles and r is the output. The extra cooling area provided by a larger motor requires
vibration mode to be avoided (see Fig.6); less airflow for a given temperature rise and therefore a smaller
- design a proper electromagnetic circuit; fan can be used. Other solution is to enclosure the motor, but this
- design a low level of magnetic flux density in the airgap; affects significantly the temperature rise ofthe motor and for the
- establish features of the mechanical design to avoid resonance; most of applications is not a suitable solution.
- install magnetic wedges in the slots for large machines;
- design a proper rotor slots skew. VII. CONCLUSIONS

3) To reduce noise due to the bearings: After the motor is assembled, little may be done to reduce
- specify a good sleeve or ball bearing; noise with low cost or without reducing the motor performance.
- define a proper lubrication interval. So, the proper stage to reduce noise is during design stage. In
relation to the three sources of noise in an electric motor one can
B. Manufacturing and assembly say that for a sinusoidal supply and constant speed, airflow noise
is the more important cause for 2 and 4 poles motors and
During manufacturing and assembly of the motor, the magnetic noise becomes the largest source for motor with more
following have to be observed: than 6 poles. lnverters have a decisive contribution to the
- uniformity of the air gap (avoid eccentricity); magnetic noise emitted by the motor, especially for switching
- proper packing pressure of the stator in order to avoid relative frequencies below 3.6kHz and operation ffequencies below base
displacement of the lamination; frequency, where the influence of the fan is reduced. In VFD
- ngid impregnation of the windings; application, magnetic noise can be the biggest source of noise
- good balancing of the rotor and the fan; inclusively for 2 and 4 poles motor.
- proper bearings greasing;
- all parts well fitted. VIM. REFERENCES
After the motor is assembled. little may be done to reduce
noise with low cost or without reducing the motor performance. [ I ] NEMA MG 1 - 1993 Standard, Motors and Generators. Pad
Firstly, one be sure of the causes of the noise. It should be 12: Tests and Performance - AC Motors. Revision No. 3,
measured the overall noise of the motor running with and without 1996.
fan in order to identify the influence of the fan. If possible, a [2] B. L. Goss, flectrih Motor Noise - Control of noise at the
frequency spectrum test should be performed. The analyse of the source. American Industrial Hygiene Association, Denver,
frequencies involved leads to the main causes of the noise. 1969.
[3] H. Jordan, Low noise electric motors (in German). Essen: W.
C. Operation Girardet, 1950.
[4] R. Gerlach, Generation of magnetic noise in synchronous
In some cases, the excessive noise is generated by operation and asynchronous machines (in German). VDE Seminar on
conditions such as: Noise and Vibration in Electrical Machines, Aachen, 1969.
- overload and/or overvoltage; [5] S.L.Nau, Magnetic noise of rotating electrical machines (in
- misalignments and eccentricities; Portuguese). I1 International Seminar about Electric Motors
- resonance with the mounting base or other parts; and Regulated Drives, p. 51-64, S%oPaulo, 1991.
- high harmonic content of the supply voltage; [6] Z. Oner' About the determination of the magnetic noise
- application in Adjustable Speed Drives; sound intensity of squinel-cage three phase induction motors
- lack of lubrication; (in German). Doktor - lngenieur Dissertation - Technische
Under operation, the following may be done: Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, 1964.
1) To reduce airflow noise: [7] H. Greiner, Frequency lnverters - Motors (in German) . EMA
- if the temperature rise is below the limit of the insulation class, Magazine, 1996.
the fan can be replaced by other with a smaller diameter; [8] D. G. Searle, European Electric Motors: Drives and Controls.
- if the space permit, the end-shield cover and the fan can be Roles Publishing, Middlesex, 1997.
replaced by a end-shield cover enlarged in length and a fan with [9] IEC 60034-9 Standard, Rotatingelectricalmachines. Part 9:
smaller diameter and larger length that produce the same air Noise limits. Third edition, 1997.

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 APPENDIX A

SOUND FUNDAMENTALS

A. Sound Pressure Level judgments than sound pressure levels, so called A-frequency-
weighting networks are incorporated in sound level meters. These
The Sound Pressure Level Lp in decibels [dB], corresponding networks alter the sensitivity of the sound level meter with respect
to a sound pressure p , is defined by to frequency so that the instrument is less sensitive at frequencies
where the ear is less sensitive. To take such a change in
Lp = 10 log (plpo)' = 20 lOg(plpo) [dB] (A-11 sensitiiity-vs.-frequency characteristics into account, three such
curves have been incorporated in sound level meters. Their
where PO is the reference sound pressure. response-vs.-frequency characteristics are shown in Fig. A-I .
In expressing sound pressure in a logarithmic scale, it is They are identified as the A-, B- and C-weighting networks.
customary to compare the sound pressure of all sounds in air with Another weighting (D-weighting) is included in some sound level
a reference value of 20 micropascals. Ordinarily this reference meters, but it is seldom used; it was designed for use in aircraft
value is not stated because it has been adopted by intemational measurements, but many engineers find the A-weighting more
agreement. It approximates the minimum sound pressure that is satisfactory for this purpose.
audible to the normal young adult ear in the frequency range 20 , I I I

where the ear is most sensitive.

The sound pressure level is dependent of the distance from
the source. If sound is radiated from a point source in a
homogeneous and undisturbed atmosphere, far away from all
retlecting or absorptive surfaces, the sound is radiated as
spherical waves. The sound pressure of the spherical waves
decreases in inverse proportion to the distance from the source.
The usual procedure is to measure the sound pressure level one
meter far from the motor.

B. Sound Power Level

The sound power of a source is expressed in watts. Often it is
convenient to express the sound power of a source on a
logarithmic scale. Then, sound power level is used. The sound
power level Lw of a source is given by
FREOUENCY IN HERTZ
LW = 10 log ( W I W o ) [dB] (A-2)
-
Fig. A-I A-, B- C- and D-weighting sound levels
Where W is the sound power of the source in watts and WOis the
reference power in watts. The standard reference sound power is Suppose two steady sounds are measured by a sound level
Ipicowatt (1O"'watt). meter, one having a frequency of IOOOHz, and the other a
The term sound power level should not be confused with frequency of 125Hz; both have a sound pressure level of 60 dB.
soundpressure level. The former is a measure of the acoustic If they are measured with a sound level meter employing the A-
power radiated by the source; the latter depends not only on the weighting network, the A-weighted sound level of the 1000 Hz
power of the source but also on the distance from the source and sound would be 60 dB, but the A-weighted sound level of the 125
on the acoustical characteristics of the space surrounding the Hz sound would be 43.9 dB.
source. Sound levels measured on a sound level meter employing A-
weighting, B-weighting, and C-weighting are referred to as A-
C. Weighted Sound Levels weighted sound levels, B-weighted sound levels, and C-weighted
sound levels, respectively. In all cases, the unit is the decibel (unit
The human ear is not equally sensitive at all frequencies. For symbol: dB). However, it is common practice to append the
this reason, even though the sound pressure level of two different appropriate letter, in brackets, after the unit symbol as a reminder
noises may be the same, the first may be judged to be louder than of the weighting employed, e.g., dB(A). To measure the noise
the second if the sound power of the first is concentrated in a emitted by electric machines, A-weighting is the most widely used.
frequency region where the ear is more sensitive. Thus, sound
pressure level is not a measure of the loudness of a sound.
To obtain levels which bear a closer relationship to loudness

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 APPENDIX B

Equations to determine the modes of vibration and frequencies of the magnetic noise

TABLE B-l
CAUSES OF MAGNETIC NOISE
Origin Vibration Mode Frequency
stator harmonics with themselves r = vi +v2 fr=2 f
stator harmonics with rotor harmonics r=h+v f,= f h + f V
stator harmonics with rotor harmonics induced by saturation harmonics r=&*v fr = fAs k f v
stator harmonics with rotor harmonics induced by eccentricity harm. r=h,+v fr = fh, fv
_+

rotor harmonics with stator saturation harmonics r = v,+h fr =,f f f i

rotor harmonics with stator eccentricrty harmonics r = v,fa fr =,f f 6

The equations used to determine the vibration modes rand the noise frequencies fr are listed in the Table 6-2below for three
phase squirrel cage induction motors:

TABLE B-ll
EQUATIONS TO DETERMINE THE MODES OF VIBRATION AND FREQUENCIES OF THE MAGNETIC FORCE
Parameter Stator harmonic Rotor harmonic Stator harmonic Rotor harmonic frequency
frequency

Winding harmonics (2m)

v = p l+-g,
- fv= f

Stator slot harmonics v = p+ giNi - fv = f -

Rotor slots harmonics - h = v + gzNz - fx=f+ -

g 2 N z (l-s)f
P
Saturation VS = 3 p + gsNi L=vs+gsNZ ,f = 3f fks= 3f + -
g 2 N 2 (I-s)f
P
g, N2fk
Eccentricrty ~ , = p f l+ g E N i h,= v,+ QE NZ ,f = f fk, = f 4. (1-s) f
P

k=O for static eccentricity and k = l for dynamic eccentricity

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 Sebastiao Lauro Nau was graduated in Electrical
Engineering by Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
- Brazil in 1985. He joined WEG S.A. Research and
Development Department in 1985 as a researcher. He has
worked in the area of electric machinery,especially induction
motors, permanent magnets motors, special motors
(switched reluctance motors, synchronous reluctance
motors), noise and vibration and applications of induction
motors with frequency inverters. Since 1990 he is
responsible for the Technology Section at WEG lndustrias-
Motors Division. Currently he is finishing his Master Degree
in Electrical Engineering by UFSC - Brazil. His research
interests include methods to determine magnetic noise on
electric machines, new conceptions of machines, the
behavior of induction motor fed by frequency inverter and
methods on how to evaluate the performance of motors
under non-sinusoidal supply as well.

Hugo Gustavo Gomez Mello was graduated in Electrical

Engineering by Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) -
Brazil in 1995. He joined WEG S.A. Research and
Development Department in 1995 as a researcher. He has
worked. in the area of electric machinery,especially induction
motors and applications with frequency inverters. His
research interests include the behaviorof induction motor fed
by frequency inverter and methods on how to evaluate the
performance of motors under non-sinusoidal supply.

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