Motor square current signature analysis for induction motor rotor diagnosis

Induction machines play an important role in today’s industry. Thus, preventive maintenance combined with fault diagnosis techniques have become an essential issue. One of the most used techniques for the diagnosis of faults in the induction machine is motor current signature analysis (MCSA). This approach presents some limitations for induction motor rotor diagnosis, particularly for small faults. In this paper, a new motor square current signature analysis (MSCSA) fault diagnosis methodology is presented. The proposed technique is based on three main steps: first, the induction motor current is measured; secondly, the square of the current is computed; and finally a frequency analysis of the square current is performed. This technique allows more information to be obtained from a motor with a rotor fault than the classical MCSA approach. Simulation and experimental results are presented in order to confirm the theoretical assumptions. This methodology has also been tested for the identification of two distinct faults (broken bars and rotor eccentricity).

► We propose a new method (MSCSA) for induction motor rotor diagnosis.
► The motor square current signature analysis only requires the use of current sensors.
► The new proposed MSCSA method provides more information than classical MCSA.
► Theoretical expressions where obtained for tested fault types.
► The detection of broken bars and eccentricity were tested with MSCSA.