Active Reduction of Noise Emissions from Electric Drives

Authors

D. Schubert, MdynamiX AG, Munich; S. Hecker, S. Sentpali, University of Applied Sciences Munich

Year

2025

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

The acoustic characteristics of a vehicle play a crucial role in defining the overall driving experience. To meet the stringent acoustic requirements of modern automobiles, manufacturers typically employ passive damping solutions such as vibration absorbers and sound-absorbing materials. However, these components often introduce additional weight and cost, making them less desirable in the context of vehicle efficiency and sustainability. The ongoing transition to electrified powertrains presents new challenges in the domain of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Unlike internal combustion engines (ICE), which inherently mask various mechanical and electromagnetic noises, electric powertrains exhibit a more pronounced acoustic signature. In the absence of combustion-induced background noise, operational sounds from the electric drives become more perceptible to passengers. This increased prominence of functional noise can negatively impact perceived acoustic comfort and requires innovative countermeasures. This article presents an active noise reduction method for electric drives based on the targeted injection of additional compensation currents. These currents are adaptively determined using a control-based approach that actively modulates the electromagnetic excitation of the drive to counteract noise generation at its source. By leveraging real-time feedback and optimization algorithms, the system dynamically adjusts the injected currents to achieve effective noise attenuation across varying operating conditions. A key advantage of this method lies in its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation. Since most electric drive systems are already equipped with advanced power electronics and control units, the proposed approach can be integrated into existing architectures without requiring significant hardware modifications. As a result, this technique provides a promising alternative to traditional passive noise reduction measures, offering a lightweight, adaptable, and efficient solution for enhancing acoustic comfort in electrified vehicles.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-4-9

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/wy9d-wiki Copy link

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