Fault Diagnostic Tests in Induction Machines: Mercedes Lázaro-Gonzaga
Fault Diagnostic Tests in Induction Machines: Mercedes Lázaro-Gonzaga
--------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT----------------------------------------------------------------
Currently in the industry, induction motors represent more than 60 [%] of consumption energy of the country so
it is necessary to schedule preventive maintenance to avoid interruptions in service. Within these maintenances
tests are carried out that help to detect possible electrical or mechanical failures, to carry out these tests it is
necessary to follow a standards-based protocol. The standards used are international standards, because the
Mexican standard that corresponds to this issue is in disuse. In addition, for the In carrying out this work,
different specialists dedicated to the area of maintenance, sales and regulations of electrical machines, in order
to obtain results Reliable based on your industry experience. Electrical and mechanical tests are performed on
low power motors that are found in the laboratory "Tests to the industry" of the Section of SEPI in Heavy II of
the race of Electrical Engineering at ESIME Zacatenco.
KEYWORDS;- induction machine, test to the industrie, diagnostics.
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Date of Submission: 01-12-2021 Date of Acceptance: 15-12-2021
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I. INTRODUCTION
The main function of diagnosis is to determine the general condition of a machine, there are different
faults that can be found when making the diagnosis, they are divided into two types: electrical tests and
mechanical tests as can be seen in the table, where each fault belongs. In the table of fig. 1., the classification of
the faults that an induction motor can present is found.
Electrical failures
The causes of insulation failures are classified into five groups [8]:
Due to starting under load, high starting currents, the difference in the electrical resistances of the
individual bars causes heating and expansion in the rotor bars. Heating and expansion are uneven, so cracking
occurs in the shorting ring which is where the bars are welded. In a squirrel cage rotor, the presence of
asymmetry is due to manufacturing issues or transitory operating or performance factors. The latter is caused by
high temperatures reached by the rotor itself, by the centrifugal forces that bars and rings support. The fractures
in the bars can cause sudden variations in rotation speed, consequence of their operation.
Mechanical failures
a. Eccentricity. The rotor of a motor must be centered, there is a space called the air gap, if it is not well
distributed in the 360 ° of the motor, unequal magnetic fields are produced. The adverse effect of these
uneven magnetic fields that will eventually result in insulation failure and bearing failure has been widely
discussed. This problem is known as eccentricity, there are basically two types, the static in which the
rotor is misaligned but fixed in one place and the dynamic that happens when there is no uniformity in
the weight of the rotor causing unbalance generally this type of problem is caused when the bearing
housings are misaligned, due to improper alignment or the motor shaft was twisted when installed in its
base. [7]
b. Vibrations. A vibration is an oscillating movement in any direction in space, starting from a point of
balance; In general, in rotating machines, vibrations are of a periodic nature, that is, they repeat from
time to time, below is a list of the most common problems that cause vibrations: [7]
The main unit for diagnosing vibration problems in rotating electrical machines is speed; if the machines
have low speeds, displacement or acceleration are used as a unit. The vibration signals are not pure sinusoidal,
but it is a combination of harmonics with different amplitude and frequency. As mentioned above, there are
three parameters for the measurement of vibrations, these will depend on the type of transducer used and to
choose the appropriate transducer the application must be taken into account. Transducers, which can be
accelerometers, are made up of piezoelectric materials that transform mechanical energy into a voltage signal.
Acceleration behaves over a wide frequency range, from low to high frequencies that cannot be captured with
the speed parameter. The displacement parameter is the opposite of acceleration, it picks up low frequencies. To
find faults due to broken bars, it is analyzed at low frequencies [23]. On the other hand, when it is required to
observe failures due to unbalance, misalignment, mechanical backlash, among others, the speed parameter is
used, because this type of failure is within 10 [kHz]. If it is required to check the state of bearings, gears, etc., it
works with frequencies ranging from 0 to 40 [kHz] [22].
II. METHODOLOGY
Electrical tests
Measurement of ohmic resistance. This test identifies resistive unbalances, which allows you to evaluate your
windings. High resistive imbalances indicate that, during operation, the motor will present hot spots due to high
resistance connections. The way in which this resistance value is obtained is done with the help of the Kelvin
bridge or a micro-ohmmeter, connecting the tips of the instrument to the terminals where it is desired to
measure, taking care not to leave loose points that could affect this measurement. The connection diagram is
shown in fig. 3.
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Fault Diagnostic Tests in Induction Machines
Insulation resistance test. The reliability of the motor depends on the integrity of its insulation system, so this
is an important part. The motor insulation system is subject to various mechanical, thermal and electrical
stresses. This test detects the presence of moisture and / or contaminating substances on the surface of the
windings. It can be seen in fig. 4, these factors together with others less harmful to insulation.
This test determines the polarization indices (IP) that indicate the variation of the insulation resistance to earth
with respect to time and the dielectric absorption index (DAR) that indicates the humidity of the machine. It
should be mentioned that this test is not destructive because the energy is limited.
The insulation resistance measurement results in a value expressed in [kΩ], [MΩ], [GΩ] and even in [TΩ]. This
resistance expresses the quality of the insulation between two conductive elements. The instrument used is an
insulation resistance meter also called a megger.
Impulse test. Megohmmeter direct current (DC) insulation resistance tests are not able to fully establish the
condition of the insulation between turns, typically formed by an enamel film (at most it will detect the presence
of moisture inside the windings). On the contrary, the impulse comparison test, which is performed offline, is
the most used way to evaluate the condition of the insulation between turns, which detects defects in the
insulation, turn-turn, coil-coil or phase- phase (faults that cannot be detected by the other tests). The equipment
used injects voltage pulses into the motor coil and the resulting reflected pulses are the response of the coil's
inductance. An impulse is a surge caused by a voltage pulse with a rise time of very short duration (in the range
of micro-seconds), applied to a winding [12].
Vacuum test. This test is carried out with the machine in operation at the nominal voltage and frequency
without any type of load on the rotor, thus the values of friction and ventilation losses are achieved; the input
temperature, voltage, current and power values are recorded. By recommendation of the IEEE std. 112-2017
“Test Procedure for Polyphase Induction Motor and Generators”, measurements are made between 125 [%] and
75 [%] of the nominal voltage, with a point close to 100 [%] of the nominal voltage and three or more voltage
values between 50 [%] and 20 [%] of the nominal voltage or to the point where there is a greater reduction in
voltage. To obtain the losses in the copper, it is done with the help of the ohmic resistance measurement, as the
losses in the copper of the rotor are negligible due to the low current, only the losses of the stator represented by
R1 are considered. The sum of the losses is represented as follows [13]:
1
Where:
P0= Total losses or vacuum power
PFe= Iron losses
Pm= Mechanical losses
PCu= Stator copper losses
Locked rotor test. It should be recognized that testing induction machines under locked rotor conditions with
polyphase power involves high mechanical stresses and high heating rates. Therefore, the following needs to be
considered [13]:
a) The mechanical means to secure the machine and lock the rotor may be of adequate mechanical strength to
avoid possible personal injury or equipment damage.
b) The direction of rotation is established before the test.
c) The machine is at approximately room temperature before the test starts.
Current and torque readings should be taken as quickly as possible and, to obtain representative values, the
temperature of the machine should not exceed the nominal temperature rise plus 40 ° C. The magnitudes of
voltage and current will gradually increase, however, care must be taken not to exceed 115 [%] of the nominal
current, because they can cause damage to the motor under test. Shown below in fig. 6, the connection diagram,
which is very similar to the vacuum test, but with the characteristic of the locked rotor. The aforementioned tests
are for the verification of the design of the machine.
Fig. 5. Connection diagram for vacuum rotor test. Fig. 6. Connection diagram for locked rotor test.
Motor current pattern analysis test. The Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA), applied to the diagnosis
of faults in the squirrel cage rotor, is a non-invasive method; This test is based on the analysis of the high-
resolution frequency spectra of the motor supply current operating in line, under nominal load conditions. Rotor
cage status or failure detection can be determined by: rotor bar breakage; ring on induction motors in operation.
It also allows studying the eccentricity effects in the air gap, which affect the behavior of the motor [7]. This
method is carried out through an analysis of the frequencies that induce the field harmonics due to rotor failure,
reflected in the currents, because some harmonics caused by the fault do not induce electromotive forces [10].
The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is the name of the algorithm for the approximate calculation of the discrete
Fourier transform. With this method the sinusoidal current signals, in the time domain, are converted into the
frequency domain; In this way, the state of the squirrel cage rotor can be evaluated using the lateral band
methodology. [17]. The sideband method consists of tracking two harmonics, which are called the lower side
harmonic and the upper side harmonic. They are located on both sides of the fundamental harmonic. The
separation between the two is represented as [7]: -2sf and + 2sf. Where f is the power frequency. The amplitude
of each harmonic is related to the degree of rotor asymmetry. Here are some considerations that must be taken
into account in relation to harmonics and the degree of rotor failure [17]: a) The amplitude of all current
harmonics is a function of the load applied to the motor Therefore, it is not possible to define an amplitude for
the lateral harmonics to consider a degree of failure. b) Current harmonics are present in a motor in good
condition, and the amplitudes of the harmonics depend on the construction of the motor. With the above
considerations, it is determined that for a diagnosis of an induction motor the amplitude of the harmonics
present is not taken into account, that is why a method is used that aims to normalize the measurement of the
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Fault Diagnostic Tests in Induction Machines
amplitudes. In this case, the method used is to measure the amplitudes in a spectrum of decibels [dB]. This is
done by relating the difference in amplitudes of the fundamental current harmonic between the characteristic
harmonics of a fault, on an algorithmic scale. Thus, the results obtained are validated for any type of squirrel
cage induction motor. When the process of broken bars begins in an induction motor, the resistance between the
union of the bar and the ring rises, this means that the motor has points of high resistance. In this way, the
degree of failure is distinguished, ranging from the presence of high resistance points to the existence of several
broken bars [7]. However, the criteria used to decide whether a motor has rotor asymmetries are based on
statistical studies on a large number of motors. Next, table 1 shows the relationship that exists between the
amplitude of the lateral harmonics with the progressive increase of broken bars. [33] [17]
Table 1. Amplitude difference between the lower lateral harmonic and the fundamental one for different degrees of
failure.
Decibel difference [dB] Engine condition
≥ 49 Engine in good condition
46-49 Some high strength point
44-46 Multiple high strength points
39-44 Many high strength points or a broken bar
35-49 At least one broken bar
<39 Several broken bars
For this test the engine is online; use is made of current transducers, where the conductor that energizes the
motor of the study case is passed through the center of the transducer. This is done for each of the phases. For
the study of this work, three current transducers are used, one for each line. For the test it is recommended that
the motor be coupled to a load. In fig. 7, you will find the electrical diagram for the test connection.
Slip test. A meter that can be a digital tachometer or a tacho generator is used to determine speed and slip.
When using a tachogenerator, the voltage at terminals is measured using a voltmeter and according to the data
plate of the tachogenerator, the conversion is made from volts to revolutions per minute. In the case of the
digital tachometer, a reference point is used that is marked with a shiny tape that must be included with the
instrument.
Mechanical tests.
Vibration test. This test is based on two stages that involves the acquisition and interpretation of the data
related to the vibration of the machine, its purpose is to determine the mechanical conditions of a machine and
to accurately point out the eventual specific mechanical or functional defects, due to the fact that there is a
strong relationship between frequency, machine components and spectrum [9] [22]. Before and after performing
maintenance on the machine, it is advisable to take measurements and after carrying out a repair it is measured
again, and the results are compared with each other to validate that the repair really worked [9]. By means of the
accelerometer a signal is obtained that can be seen in the oscilloscope connected by means of a mil-BNC cable.
To start the test it is necessary to have a firm surface to place the camera, the recommended distance between
the camera and the object under test is one meter as shown in fig. 10. [29] [13]. In thermography, the
interpretation of results is based on the association of light colors at high temperatures and dark colors at low
temperatures. When taking temperature readings on the case, it is necessary to mention that these readings are
not the temperature of the motor windings; According to some specialists, the temperature varies between 15
and 20 [° C] between the casing and the windings, this value varies according to the ambient temperature. The
heat transfer in motors also depends on the size of the frame, its shape and type, as well as the mass of the
motor. [31]
The photograph taken by the equipment must be taken when the machine is operating, in case the equipment is
only started for this test, wait until the temperature in the casing is stable. The temperature in a device in good
condition must be homogeneous over its entire surface as shown in fig. 11. [29]
Off-line and on-line tests are performed to carry out fault diagnosis on squirrel cage induction motors. In
addition, before carrying out these tests, an inspection is carried out and the motors are disassembled. See fig.
13.
Fig. 13. Squirrel cage induction motor, case study. Fig. 14. Motor under test data plate
Electrical tests.
Measurement of ohmic resistance. In this measurement a micro-ohmmeter with its respective tips is used. See
fig. 15 and table 2.
Insulation resistance test. The proposed test voltage is 500 [V] so special care must be taken to use safety
equipment and discharge the equipment properly to avoid accidents. In this case, the megger included includes a
program that can automatically plot the insulation resistance measurements during the ten minutes, plotting time
versus resistance. You can see the connection that was followed for the test in fig. 16. And fig. 17.
Fig. 17. Graph of the state of the insulation with the values measured by the instrument.
Impulse test An AVO Multi-Amp model DS-13 Winding Tester is used in this test. This equipment is
designed to analyze stator windings; looking for a balance between the two waves displayed on the oscilloscope.
Although the instrument has its own 71 oscilloscope to interpret the waves, an external digital oscilloscope is
used to store the waveforms, of the Tektronix model TDS-2014C brand.
The results obtained are shown in the following graphs, it is worth mentioning that the values are not included,
because it is only intended to compare the waveforms. The waveforms obtained after the impulse test are shown
below.
Vacuum test As described earlier in this work, the vacuum test, or also known as free rotor test, the latter,
allows to determine parameters such as: vacuum voltage (VV), vacuum current (IV), vacuum power (PV),
vacuum impedance (ZV), as well as vacuum resistance and reactance (RV, XV). In this test the slip in the motor
74 is close to 0, because it has no load, this causes a low current and a high rotor resistance.
Locked rotor test. With this test the following parameters can be determined: Locked Rotor Voltage (VRB),
Locked Rotor Current (IRB), Locked Rotor Power (PRB), Locked Rotor Impedance (ZRB), as well as Locked
Rotor Resistance and Reactance (RRB, XRB) and stator and rotor reactance (XS, XR, respectively).
Motor current pattern analysis test. By means of the voltage provided by the current transducers shown in fig.
19, in the oscilloscope the frequency spectra are obtained. The fundamental frequency must be established, that
is, the reference to the frequency of the motor being studied is obtained, in this case, the reference is to 60 [Hz]
to make the difference in decibels with the lower side band.
Obtaining the data was done in the same way as in the impulse test with one of the oscilloscope functions, in
this test three channels are used, through the FFT function the oscilloscope shows an average of the input of the
three signals, one for each phase of the motor. As an additional configuration, the oscilloscope gives the option
of "Window" in this case a "Hamming" type window is established, this choice is made based on the display of
the frequency spectrum. The “Cursors” function sets the references to 0 [Hz] for cursor 1 and 60 [Hz] with
cursor 2 to indicate the fundamental frequency. From there, cursor 2 can be varied to check how often the study
is analyzed. In figs. 19, 20 and 21, the oscilloscope screen is shown pointing to the aforementioned settings.
Fig. 19. Oscilloscope setup for MCSA test Fig. 20. No-load motor frequency spectrum.
Vibration test. For this test an accelerometer is used which is a piezoelectric sensor, fig. 22, as mentioned
above. The case study engine has a magnitude of 101.53 [dB], with a frequency of 35 [kHz]; given in speed, this
value is 1,188 [mm / s], that is, it is in an optimal state in terms of bearings.
According to the insulation tests performed on this motor, it can be determined that the state of the insulation is
corrupted, since both the IP and the DAR are are below 2, following the recommendations of the IEEE Std. 43
standard. complement of this test, the impulse test was also applied and as a result have the graphs in table A.1
in which the phase shift between the signals: the input signal and the output signal of the motor windings. When
applying the current pattern analysis test at different load percentages (no load, 80 and 100 [%]), the damage to
the rotor is checked, because the difference in decibels between the harmonics is less than the recommended
value. Indicating that there are several broken bars, which causes an imbalance in the flow of currents causing
overheating in the motor, likewise, causes a slip greater than allowed between the speeds of the components of
it. Finally, in table 3, the diagnosis of each of the engines under test in this work in accordance with the
regulations consulted. Being case 1 the engine in good condition and case 2 refers to the engine in poor
condition.
IV. CONCLUSION
During the course of this project, electrical and mechanical tests were carried out in order to perform the
analysis of results to base a diagnosis on a low power motor mode squirrel cage induction machine. The tests were
carried out according to the standardized recommendations, so that with the results obtained, a general report on the
state of the engine of the case study can be generated as described in chapter 3. Based on this report, it is determined
that The case study is in good operating condition at full load, however, it is recommended that preventive
maintenance be carried out, in order to observe that there are no significant changes in the results of the applied tests
and thus avoid possible failures. On the other hand, to have a reference to the parameters of the induction machine, the
vacuum rotor and locked rotor tests were carried out for its characterization; Although these tests are not for fault
diagnosis because the initial parameters of the machine are not always accessible; It is necessary to have knowledge of
the manufacturing design of the induction machine since in some occasions the failures can start from its design and
construction. The vibration test can be carried out at low, medium and high frequencies, which identifies electrical and
mechanical damage; To do this, the type of sensor to be used is chosen and then what type of damage is to be
identified, in order to have a reference to the frequency at which the test is to be carried out. Likewise, it must be
known with which parameter it is going to work: displacement, acceleration or speed; having these considerations
improves the quality of the measurements in the test. If done correctly, vibration analysis complements electrical tests,
reducing costs and time in maintenance and / or diagnostics. This test can also prevent failures when performed as part
of preventive maintenance and in cases where equipment cannot be taken out of operation it works as predictive
maintenance. Another test that is part of predictive maintenance is the temperature using a thermal imaging camera,
this technique has several advantages over others, such as faster data collection, since its use does not interfere with
the engine process. Despite this, this test is defined as complicated for the interpretation of results, because if the
necessary experience is not available, the cause of a failure in the machine cannot be determined, because the test only
indicates the existence of the problem.
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