Electric Machine Force Estimation Using Vibro-Acoustic Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring electromagnetic forces in rotating electric machines are impractical due to the size limitations and sensitivity to magnetic fields of conventional sensors, making it difficult to accurately predict and reduce noise and vibration caused by these forces.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that estimate electromagnetic forces by measuring operation parameters and using a stored structural/vibro-acoustic model to correlate them, allowing for real-time prediction and monitoring of forces without relying on outdated models, enabling system-level integration and condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force transducers are used to measure electromagnetic forces, then measurement capability is provided, but the sensor size exceeds the air gap dimension and magnetic field sensitivity degrades measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force transducers with an electrical measurement system. Instead of mechanically measuring forces in the air gap, the system measures electrical parameters (currents, voltages, frequencies) from the electric machine and uses a structural/vibro-acoustic model to calculate the electromagnetic forces. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sensors in the magnetic field environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a structural/vibro-acoustic model as an intermediary between the electrical measurements and the electromagnetic force calculation. This model acts as a transfer function that converts measured electrical parameters into force estimates, bridging the gap between what can be measured (electrical parameters) and what needs to be known (electromagnetic forces).
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic finite element models are used to estimate forces from polyphase currents, then force estimation is provided, but the physical output is not correlated with physical input reducing robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used in the estimation model from traditional electromagnetic finite element parameters to structural/vibro-acoustic parameters. By using a model that directly correlates electrical measurements with mechanical responses through measured transfer functions, the system maintains better parameter correlation and robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses measured operation parameters (currents, voltages, frequencies) as feedback to continuously update and refine the force estimation through the structural/vibro-acoustic model. This feedback mechanism ensures that the estimation remains correlated with actual physical conditions during machine operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for estimating electromagnetic forces active in an electric machine. The method includes the steps of: measuring at least one first operation parameter of the electric machine while the electric machine is operated under at least one operational condition, and estimating electromagnetic forces active in an electric machine during operation of the electric machine by multiplying the measured at least one first operation parameter and a respective second operation parameter provided by a stored structural/vibro-acoustic model.