5. Influence of the electrical machine on the environment

5.1 Noise

The influences exerted by the electrical machine on the environment generally correspond to nuisances, foremost among which is noise.

All electrical machines generate mechanical and magnetic noise, due to the rotation of the rotating parts, and aerodynamic noise, due to the ventilation and turbulence of the air around the rotating parts; in the case of commutator motors, there is also brush noise.

Electrical machines powered by electronic converters generate additional magnetic noise induced by current harmonics.

• Magnetic noise has several causes: radial forces of attraction between the rotor and stator, tangential forces acting on the conductors, and longitudinal forces linked...