On-line condition monitoring of induction motors

Condition monitoring of induction motors is a process that may be used to great advantage in mining and other industrial applications. The early detection of motor winding deterioration prior to a complete failure provides an opportunity for maintenance to be performed on a scheduled routine without the loss of production time. Presented in this paper is a theoretical and experimental analysis of a voltage mismatch technique that may be used in operating situations to monitor the health of induction motor windings. It extends previous work in this area by demonstrating the robust nature of the monitoring process not only under conditions of power supply unbalance but also in situations where motor construction imperfections exist and mechanical loads are unpredictable. A suggested procedure for application of this condition monitoring process in industrial situations is also included.