Induction motors broken rotor bars detection using MCSA and neural network: Experimental research

Early detection and diagnosis of incipient faults are desirable to ensure an improved operational effectiveness of induction motors. A novel practical method of detection and classification for broken rotor bars, using motor current signature analysis associated with a neural network technique is developed. The motor-slip is calculated via a new simple and very rigorous formula, based on (f s - f r ) mixed eccentricity harmonic. It can be seen from the experimental study, carried out on hundreds of observation, that the mixed eccentricity harmonic (f s - f r ) has the largest amplitude in its existence range, under different motor loads and conditions (healthy or defective). Since (f s - f r ) is related to the slip and the mechanical rotational frequency, it is obvious that the detection of the broken rotor bars harmonics (1 ± 2ks)f s becomes easy. The amplitude of these harmonics and the slip value (detection and discernment criterion) are used as the neural network inputs. The neural network provides a reliable decision on the machine condition. The experimental results obtained from 1.1 and 3 kW motors prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2013 The Society for Reliability Engineering, Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM), India and The Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden.