Alternator tonal noise target setting

The aim of the research reported in this paper is to develop a procedure to determine target levels for the tonal noise emitted by a vehicle alternator. The investigation begins with a study into the contribution of the alternator to the noise inside the vehicle. This is followed by the description of an experiment to determine subjectively threshold levels for alternator tonal noise. From the results of these tests alternator noise target levels are derived. Finally, the derived alternator target noise levels are compared with current alternator performance.