Sensorless approach to on-line motor diagnostics

Loss of process, reduced productivity, equipment damage, safety issues and life extension have driven continuing research in the area of noninvasive online motor diagnostics to recognize incipient failures and avoid the catastrophic results. Breakthroughs have been made utilizing a variety of methods which can be applied on today's cost-effective microprocessor hardware platforms to accurately diagnose impending failures of motors. These include failure modes involving bearings, broken bar or shorted turns, and abnormal shaft torque conditions. This paper describes the research, methodology and application of this technology.