Comparison of Two Methods for Full-Load In Situ Induction Motor Efficiency Estimation From Field Testing in the Presence of Over/Undervoltages and Unbalanced Supplies

Numerous techniques with different levels of intrusion and accuracy have been proposed for in situ efficiency estimation. Among them, optimization-based techniques and the air-gap torque (AGT) method show promise when unbalanced supply conditions exist. In this paper, an optimization-based algorithm is proposed for in situ efficiency estimation of induction machines operating with over-/undervoltage and unbalanced supplies. In addition, a comprehensive study is done on the functionality and accuracy of the nonintrusive AGT method which is claimed to be one of the most promising methods in the literature. It is shown that the efficiency calculated by this method under field conditions cannot be used in the decision making process on replacement of the existing machines as well as the relevant calculations regarding the payback period. The research is supported by experimental results on two different induction machines.