Part 1- Evaluating Motor Drives using Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) 

AC Motor Drive sales have dramatically increased over the last decade for a number of reasons, one of which is the energy savings they offer. However, Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) and trouble-shooting of motor drives can be a real headache for many electricians and usually requires the use of many different instruments, in order to fully evaluate its condition. 

This workshop will focus on some of the most common problems with today’s drives and how ESA can be used for both CBM and trouble-shooting purposes.

ESA combines the benefits of a Power Quality analyzer, Oscilloscope, Volt/Amp meter, and Spectrum Analyzer for trouble-shooting motor drives, whether AC or DC. The system is evaluated under load and problems such as loose connections, misfiring IGBT’s, capacitor breakdown, and more are evaluated. 

Case Studies will be used to illustrate some of these common problems.  

This seminar is not just for the technician, but is well suited for the manager that wants to better understand available technologies to improve motor system reliability. The attendee will come away with a better understanding of common motor drive faults, specific steps that can be done to detect and trend these problems, and a better understanding of how ESA can be used to quickly identify and isolate motor system faults.  

Part 2- Machinery Analysis using Vibration and Electrical Signature Analysis
12:30PM to 3PM 

Rotating machinery exhibit specific characteristics when faults created during manufacturing, assembly or operation cause the geometric centerline of the shaft to periodically move. Experience has shown that many of these faults can be readily identified using Vibration Signature Analysis. Recent research has proven that many of these same faults can be identified using Electrical Signature Analysis.  

Additionally, Vibration Signature Analysis offers some analysis capability with regards to electrical problems within a motor system, but it’s usually only of value to a very experienced user. Moreover, some problems related to incoming power cannot be evaluated using Vibration Signature Analysis. Electrical Signature Analysis will be contrasted with Vibration Signature Analysis to provide a more complete view of these differences.  

This presentation describes the forces that are created by these malfunctions and how they present themselves in both the Vibration spectrum and the Electrical spectrum.

Case studies are presented comparing the same machine malfunction with mechanical Vibration data and Electrical Signature Analysis data.

This seminar is not just for the technician, but is well suited for the manager that wants to better understand available technologies to improve motor system reliability. The attendee will learn how Vibration and Electrical Signature Analysis when used together can provide a higher degree of confidence regarding severity of the fault and assist the analyst in estimating time to failure.