Induction Motor Modelling for Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using Stator Currents

This paper describes a new physical model of an induction machine that is able to capture the impact of bearing faults on stator current. As they are the most frequently occurring fault leading to machine failure, a great interest lies in the bearing fault diagnosis. There are several parameters that are useful for this diagnosis as vibrations or torque variations. However, these methods require sensor mounting close to the bearing mounted on the motor flanges, which is difficult to achieve. Another way is to use motor current signature analysis, which can capture the effect of the bearing faults in the stator current. The modeling is done using the existing fundamental equations. The simulated results from the model were validated using the experimental results.