A computer-aided test bench system for teaching and research on fault detection in three-phase induction motors

This paper describes the design and validation of a test bench system for the diagnostics and condition monitoring of three-phase induction motors using current power spectrum analysis techniques. Faults produced harmonics in the stator current are measured using Hall Effect sensors and analog-digital converters in each of the phases. The equipment is designed to work with 1 hp induction motors under different operating regimes, for which the system allows to change the speed and load applied to the motor under test. For validating the system, several motors with faults induced by one to three broken bars in the rotor were used under different test conditions. The results of this analysis were contrasted with a mathematical model based on the motor resistance and inductance matrix for the induction motor with broken bar faults.