Motor Current Signature Analysis Services

Motor Current Signature Analysis Services

Definition

Motor current signature analysis services (MCSA) has proven to be a highly valuable predictive maintenance tool. Although it is a relatively young, rarely utilized technology, it is rapidly gaining acceptance in industry today.

Applications

Driven load

Mechanical faults

Eddy-Current drives

AC Motors and Alternators

DC Motors and Generators

Variable Frequency Drives

Incoming power quality

Single and Three phase systems

To diagnose problems in induction motors

To detect cracked and broken rotor bars

Overview

Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA) are diagnostic technique that are being used to analyze motors, transformers, generators, alternators, distribution and other electric equipment.

This technology has the ability to test on line and off line electrical equipment and identify a variety of mechanical and electrical problems. These techniques can be used to analyze the driver, the driven load and the power supply. As a preventative maintenance tool, Motor Current Signature Analysis Services can be used to perform a one-time test or periodic testing to track and trend motor performance. MCSA allows for remote, non-intrusive testing of the equipment being monitored. The test analyzes the current waveform using complex mathematics. They are non-intrusive, invisible to the equipment being monitored and can be performed from remote connections such as Motor Control Centers (MCC).

The information is captured and thereafter analyzed for the following possible defects:

Rotor Health

Load issues

Stator faults

Phase imbalance

Rotor bar faults

Bearing health

Stator winding health

Winding lamination defects

Incoming winding health

System load and efficiency

Air gap static and dynamic eccentricity

Coupling health, including direct, belted and geared systems

Our team is able to offer several integrated methods to assess and track the condition of critical plant induction motors.

Testing can be performed online without production interruption

Provide "on the spot" recommendations with no historical information needed

Testing can be done on a primary circuit or safely done on low voltage secondary switch gear

Combining MCSA with standard monitoring techniques such as vibration and temperature (multi-parameter monitoring) to increase decision making confidence

Detect problems such as high resistance joints, cracked end rings, broken or cracked rotor bars and casting porosity or blow holes in die-cast rotors

MCSA Analysis

The data obtained during motor current signature analysis services testing includes

Current Spectral Analysis

High Frequency Eccentricity Analysis

In-Rush/Start-Up

Phase-to-phase Voltage RMS

Line-to-Neutral Voltage RMS

Voltage Imbalance

Output PowerTorque

Crest Factor

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

% Full Load Amps

Average Current RMS

Phase Current RMS

Phase Impedance

Impedance Imbalance

Power (KW, KVA, KVAR)

Power Factor

Efficiency

Benefits

Improved Economic Efficiency

Increased Machine Performance

Saving in maintenance costs

Reduced Machine Failures

Provides "Early Warning"information.

Determine root cause of problem.

It is Safe, Fast & Non-intrusive.

Ultimate goal: Save time & money.

Reduce unscheduled downtime by predicting imminent motor failures & identifying problem areas.