Enhanced Stray-Load Loss Measurements Through a Zigzag Variable Load Test Approach

This article proposes an enhanced procedure for executing the standard variable load test that allows obtaining high correlation factors for indirectly measured stray-load loss during efficiency tests of induction motors. This helps to achieve the minimum values required by the international standards to consider the variable load test well executed, avoiding unwelcome test repetitions and leading to significant amount of time saved. With the machine at steady-state temperature, the enhanced procedure consists of alternatively applying load levels higher and lower than the rated load, so that the stator winding temperature zigzags around the rated value. Hence, multiple readings can be performed for each load point, having the machine in isothermal conditions. This allows averaging many measurements of the same load point to mitigate the impact of instrumentation and reading errors. The article includes load tests conducted on different induction motor sizes and pole counts, applying both the standard variable load test procedure and the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the proposed technique allows achieving higher correlation factors on the stray-load losses than the standard procedure.