A simplified scheme for induction motor condition monitoring

This work proposes a general scheme to detect induction motor fault by monitoring the motor current. The scheme is based on signal processing (predictive filters) and soft computing technique (fuzzy logic). The predictive filter is used in order to separate the fundamental component from the harmonic components. Fuzzy logic is used to identify the motor state. Finite element method (FEM) is utilised to generate virtual data that allows to test the proposed technique and foresee the change in the current under different motor conditions. A simple and reliable method for the detection of stator winding failures based on the phase current amplitudes is implemented and tested. The layout has been proved in MATLAB/SIMULINK, with both data from FEM motor simulation program and real measurements. The proposed method has the ability to work with variable speed drives and avoids the detailed spectral analysis of the motor current. This work shows the feasibility of spotting broken rotor bars, eccentricities and inter-turn short-circuit by monitoring the motor currents.