Finite-Element Analysis of Field Distribution and Characteristic Performance of Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor With Broken Bars

This paper develops the foundations of a technique for diagnosis and characterization of effects of broken bars in squirrel-cage induction motors based on the time-stepping coupled finite-element approach. These studies are performed by using the model to compute healthy case, one-broken-bar fault, and two adjacent broken bars fault performance data, which contains stator starting current waveforms, the current density on the bars, the magnetic force distribution on the rotor bars, and the distribution of magnetic field. Meanwhile, the iron core loss distributions on the rotor tooth adjacent to broken bars are computed, and the harmonic component of air-gap flux density is analyzed. From this data, the faulty signatures are extracted. Theoretical approach together with experimental results derived from a two-pole 1.1 kW induction motor confirms the validity of the proposed method. Furthermore, this method, which could help to develop diagnostics of broken bars and performance evaluation of induction motors, has great potential in future applications