4 Electric Motor Optimization Using Dynamic S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratios

The theme of Taguchi Methods is to conduct the most efficient experimental optimization during the early stages of product development. Dynamic characteristics and orthogonal arrays, especially the $L18$, are recommended for this type of experimental optimization. This chapter illustrates how to use dynamic S/N (signal-to-noise) ratios to improve energy efficiency, lower development cost, and reduce downstream quality/reliability issues simultaneously in early development stages. This approach is different from traditional quality auditing approaches that focus on downstream quality characteristics and often lead to conflicting conclusions. Dr. Taguchi recommends using the dynamic S/N ratio for optimization at early product development stages. This chapter demonstrates how improving one dynamic S/N ratio of an electric motor actually improves all downstream characteristics at the same time. This chapter illustrates how to apply the dynamic S/N ratio approach to improve the basic functionality of an electric motor.