Current harmonics and acoustic noise in AC adjustable-speed drives

AC adjustable-speed drives (ASDs) are finding increased opportunities for applications in which acoustic noise is a major consideration for acceptability. The major source of noise in an ASD is the excitation of the motor by nonsinusoidal currents. For load characteristics that simulate the performance required for fans and compressors, ASDs based on induction motors, permanent-magnet motors, and switched reluctance motors have been examined for correlation between current and acoustic noise. The effects that the specific types of noise produced by drives have on human subjects is examined with regard to temporary and permanent hearing-threshold shifts