Motor Current Signature Analysis

Motor current signal analysis is a method to perform on-line monitoring of the condition of electrical motors by examining the spectrum of the residual current of the motor for side bands around the main frequencies. Th einterpretation of the sespectrum would be improved by having a physics based under tanding of how particular perturbations appear in the spectrum. This report considers two possible models for an induction motor and the residual current.

Faraday Predictive monitor the behaviour of equipment driven by electric motor, by measuring the volt age and current drawn by the motor, and by analysing the change in relationship between voltage and current. E ectively wear eusing the distortions on the current wave form that have not be encaused by distortions on the voltage wave for masan indication of what is going on in the combined(motor and driven equipment) system–asthat is the only place that can have caused the distortions. This approach has been used pragmatically for years, but not all aspects of it are fully understood.

The condition monitoring industry has been widely using vibration analysis for many years. The use of induction motors in industrial drives is quite common because they are considered dependable, cost-effective, and rugged. In fact, they even became industry workhorses because they play an essential part when it comes to converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. As ensuring safe operation heavily depends on appropriate maintenance, fault diagnostics, safe operation, and operation dependability, there are many traditional techniques and tools used to monitor induction motors. In this article, we take a closer look at motor current signature analysis.

What is Motor Current Signature Analysis?

It was in the early 1970s when the MCSA concept was originated. Initially, MCSA was proposed as a tool that can be used for monitoring motors in harsh environments and dangerous areas within nuclear power plants. Motor current signature analysis can be described as a technique that helps in determining the induction motor’s operating condition without disturbing production. In other words, it senses an electrical signal that has current components and identifies the faults in the initial stage. Therefore, it plays a pivotal role in preventing damage and diagnosing motor failure. You can follow THIS LINK for further reading.

Motor current signature analysis helps in detecting the following:

• Unbalance/ misalignment
• Defective bearings
• Rotor bar damage
• Load issues
• Dynamic eccentricity
• Static eccentricity