Analysis of vibrations in electrical machines with an optical fiber accelerometer

The vibration in induction motors is due to mechanical and electrical forces existing during the motor operation. The vibration monitoring can help to prevent wear in motors, to increase its efficiency and lowering maintenance costs. Through knowledge and accurate diagnostic procedures, it is possible to detect the cause of the vibration. This paper presents the vibration measurement analysis in the induction motor running at no-load condition using a biaxial optical fiber accelerometer. The sensor is positioned on the induction motor, and the acquired data compared with the one from a capacitive sensor. Changing the power supply frequency from 10 to 60 Hz a higher SNR was observed for both directions on the optical sensor data. The characteristics of the optical sensor, immunity to electromagnetic interference and high sensitivity, 87.848 pm.g-1 and 92.351 pm.g-1 for two directions and independent directions, favors its use for monitoring vibrations in electrical machines. The results indicate a relation between deterioration and mechanical vibration and, thus, providing the motivation for additional study and a basis for future applications.