Homce Gerald T. Predicting the Failure of Electric Motors

Bureau of Mines, 1989. — 15 p.— (Information Circular 9211).A system capable of monitoring a mine electrical power system to detect incipient electrical component failure could significantly improve power system safety and availability. The U.S. Bureau of Mines funded a contract with The Pennsylvania State University (Perm State) to establish the theoretical and technical framework for such a system. This report briefly outlines the contract, reviewing related Bureau and Penn State work prior to its award, and describes support work carried out by the Bureau. The main focus of the report is on research efforts by Penn State and subsequent results. An existing algorithm for incipient-failure detection and classification was studied, and recommendations are made to improve its performance. In addition, mathematical models of cable-connected motor systems and deteriorating motors were developed and implemented on computers. These models and laboratory tests were used to study and document relationships between component deterioration and electrical terminal effects. The project was supported by the U.S. Navy and the nature of its interest in the application of failure prediction techniques is also included.Introduction
Background
Recent failure prediction research
Data collection
Failure prediction research results
General
Methodology
Theoretical analysis of algorithm
System specification
System structure
System operation
System utility
Model development
Cable-connected motor models
Induction motor deterioration model
Computer analysis
Cable deterioration
Motor deterioration
Experimental program
Deteriorating-motor experiments
Destructive testing
Electrically excited vibration
Theoretical study
Laboratory experiments
Practical applications of research results
Computer model use
Off-line failure prediction techniques
U.S. Navy submarine power system monitoring
General
Submarine data acquisition
Summary
Conclusions