Simulation of pulse width modulation strategies: validation based on sound quality evaluations

Though the noise emitted by an electrical machine is less loud than the one from a combustion engine, the existing literature shows it is not always more pleasant. This is because of its strong tonal content, due to deterministic excitations (e.g. electromagnetic slotting and switching effects, mechanical gear mesh effects). The main source of magnetic noise is the radiation of the stator submitted to electromagnetic forces, which are harmonic by nature. Their highest frequency components are generated by the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique designed to vary the supply frequency and operating speed of the electric machine. Several PWM strategies exist, leading to specific harmonic spectra. A temporal simulation model has been developed to auralize the corresponding electromagnetic noise emitted by the machine, considering its mechanical and electrical parameters. A testbench has been adapted to test the relevance of the model, both from an electrical and acoustic point of view. The simulation model and the testbench can be used to generate virtual and real sound stimuli to be assessed in a jury testing. The subjective evaluations allow to assess the relevance of the auralization model, but also to identify the least annoying strategies.