Design Optimization for Acoustic Noise Reduction in Single-Phase Induction Motors: Effects of Capacitor Selection, Winding Configuration, and Rotor Eccentricity with Experimental Validation

Abstract

This study investigates the primary electromagnetic sources of acoustic noise in single-phase induction motors and proposes design-oriented strategies for noise reduction. A 370 W, four-pole, 80-frame single-phase induction motor was designed, analyzed, and experimentally validated. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations were conducted using Ansys Maxwell 2D to examine the effects of magnetic field distortion, magnetic saturation, and rotor eccentricity on torque ripple and inductance variation. The results demonstrate that these factors significantly increase electromagnetic force harmonics acting on the stator teeth and frame, leading to vibration and acoustic noise generation. In addition, inductance fluctuations caused by interphase magnetic coupling and air-gap harmonics were found to increase current harmonic content and potentially excite structural resonances. The influence of capacitor selection and winding configuration on magnetic saturation, phase displacement, and torque ripple was systematically evaluated. Prototype motors were manufactured and acoustic noise measurements were performed to experimentally validate the simulation results. Unlike previous studies that often investigate these parameters separately, this work presents a coupled analysis that explicitly links capacitor selection, winding configuration, and rotor eccentricity to inductance variation, torque ripple, and acoustic noise generation. The findings provide practical design guidelines for the development of low-noise single-phase induction motors and contribute to reducing electromagnetic vibration and acoustic emissions in electric machine design.