Electromagnetically excited audible noise – evaluation and optimization of electrical machines by numerical simulation

Purpose Disturbing vibrations and noise of electrical machines are gaining impact. The paper aims to focus on the necessity of estimating the electromagnetic, structure‐dynamical, and acoustic behaviour of the machine during designing and before proto‐typing. Design/methodology/approach An adequate tool is numerical simulation applying the finite‐element method (FEM) and the boundary‐element method (BEM) allowing for the structured analysis and evaluation of audible noise also caused by manufacturing tolerances. Findings The simulated results show good accordance to measurement results. The methods and simulation tools allow the analysis and evaluation of every type of energy converter with respect to its electromagnetic, structure‐dynamical and acoustic behaviour. Originality/value The methods developed and proved can be applied to any electromagnetic device in general.