An Understanding of Induction Motor Performance through Electrical Signature Analysis Part 1

Abstract: Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) is a powerful prognostic and performance tool for analyzing electric machinery through the measurement of the effects on the magnetic field as observed in voltage and current.  This white paper explores how various induction motor and load conditions affect the magnetic field and spectral characteristics of measured values.  We will…

Case Study Slightly Loose Bearing Fits and VFD Issues in Vertical Motor with EMPATH Electrical Signature Analysis

In-place testing was performed on a 350 horsepower, 460 Vac, 1780 RPM vertical motor (Figure 1) and EMPATH detected conditions associated with bearings, rotor and early winding stress were indicated.  The motor was removed for routine overhaul and the defects were investigated.

Motion Amplification and EMPATH Detect Coupling Defect on Slow Speed Coupling and DC Motor

During a site visit along with Scott Burkhardt of #RDI, we were asked to investigate the cause of a noise from a casting mill. The DC motor operated the mill through two gearboxes then a slow speed shaft. Following #motionamplification on the first day, data was collected with an #EMPATH #electricalsignatureanalyzer from the DC drive. A comparison of operating speeds from the customer…

EMPATH Continuous Monitoring Special Applications for Energy Analysis

The EMPATH™ family of Electrical Signature and Motor Current Signature Analysis (ESA/MCSA) systems go well beyond analyzing electric motors, generators and wind turbines.  It provides prognostic and time to failure estimation (TTFE) capabilities for AC/DC electric motors, synchronous machines, servo motors, machine tools, generators – including utility scale, and transformers.  Not only will it identify…

ESA and MCSA in Relation to Vibration Analysis and other Technologies

In August 2020 I wrote an article for TheRamReview on the benefits surrounding Electrical Signature Analysis and it’s capabilities in viewing the entire system at one time (Regarding Reliability of Electric Motors: What Makes Electrical Signature Analysis Different? | THE RAM REVIEW ).  In the past the discussion surrounding MCSA and ESA were such that…

An EMPATH Day of Ease

After putting EMPATH through months and months of trials in wind turbines for transformer to complete powertrain: Utility-scale solar plant drives and transformers: Riding the rails testing locomotive generators and traction machines: Complex pipeline troubleshooting: Even evaluating commercial transformers, lighting systems and power quality issues: A well-deserved rest testing a good old pump motor running…