Comparison Between Stator Current and Estimated Mechanical Speed for the Detection of Bearing Wear in Asynchronous Drives

This paper deals with the detection of worn rolling bearings in asynchronous machines using electrical measurements and estimated mechanical variables. These two approaches are based on the use of the available electrical quantities, e.g., the machine stator currents, which are often already measured for control and protection purposes. Considering that bearing faults induce load-torque oscillations, a theoretical stator-current model, in case of load-torque oscillations, is recalled. Then, a theoretical estimated rotor flux and estimated speed model demonstrates the presence of harmonics related to load-torque oscillations. Phase-modulation components on stator current and harmonics on estimated speed can be used for detection purposes. The frequency behavior of monitored quantities with regard to the load-torque oscillation frequency is particularly investigated. Fault detectors are then proposed on monitored variables. The efficiency of the indicators is studied for different operating points considering the frequency behavior of the system. Finally, the use of detectors is discussed regarding the supply-frequency range usable for the detection.