Renewable Energy Sources and Clean Technologies

MEASUREMENT OF VIBRATIONS OF ELECTRIC MOTORS IN

SHIPBOARD POWER SYSTEMS

Lecturer Eng. Dr. Leon Pana1

Lecturer Eng. Dr. Eduard Dragomir2
1
Micea cel Batran Naval Academy, Romania
2
Micea cel Batran Naval Academy, Romania

ABSTRACT
Vibration analysis of new electrical motors installed the shipboard provides evidence
that the manufacturer has met the specifications and the normal standards for smooth
running machinery. A planned program of vibration analysis can also be a key to
preventive maintenance. Levels, or intensities, and frequency of vibration taken on a
regular basis reveal the deterioration of antifriction bearings and facilitate replacement
prior to failure. Preventive maintenance based on vibration analysis identifies the
electrical motors that has become unbalanced so that it can be repaired before the
problem leads to complete failure.
The purpose of this paper is to measure and analysis the vibrations of shipboard
electrical motors, in order to reduce the maintenance costs and making the optimal
decisions. The faults that underlie electric motors are primarily due to mechanical and
electrical efforts. Mechanical stresses occur as a result the overloads and rapid load
variations. In this regard the mechanical faults cannot be analyzed by changing the
parameters like voltage, current, power, frequency but in practice we can do analysis by
used the high-performance testers with intelligent software for measuring the electrical
motor vibrations. In this aim, the Marvib DC750 tester was used for measurement and
analysis the vibrations of synchronous generators and electric motors.
Keywords: vibration tester, electric motors, measurements, diagnosis

INTRODUCTION
During the life of electrical motors, the engineering officer can use the portable tester
and analyzers for monitoring conditions and solving problems which occur themselves
as vibrations. Vibration analysis involves the measurement of the frequency of vibration
which in turn permits identification of the source of fault. Once the source is discovered,
shipboard personnel can take corrective maintenance action [1], [2].
In this case the electric motors and synchronous generators shipboard can be analyzed
and compared against established standards for permissible vibrations to obtain an
evaluation of the general condition. Unbalance, electrically caused vibrations, bearing
wear, and machine misalignment are readily detected. For large critical electrical
motors, vibration signature data should be accumulated overtime for preventive
maintenance programs. An important part of any vibration analysis program is the
establishment of minimum and maximum limits of vibration for the electric motors in
the program [3], [5].
21st International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2021

MARVIB DC750 TESTER FOR VIBRATION MEASUREMENT AND DATA

ANALYSIS
MarVib DC750 is a modern measurement tester designed for a thorough and
comprehensive vibration diagnostics of rotating equipment. It is easy and intuitive to
use and as such it is a very useful tool in mechanical maintenance and repair
departments. It facilitates the verification of electrical motors intended for repair or
requiring the replacement of bearings and it helps to identify the reasons of the
deteriorated condition of electrical motors. MarVib DC750 tester combines the
functions of a vibrometer, vibration analyzer, data-collector, and is capable to measure
the temperature and cavitation. The measurement results are instantly compared against
ISO 10816 standards allowing the user to immediately evaluate the condition of his
electrical motors. The condition of rotor shaft bearings is thoroughly evaluated using
three complementary algorithms. The dual channel versions of the MarVib DC750
tester (D, X) allow the user to perform a one-plane and two-plane balancing of the
electrical motors. Together with VMComm software it allows the collection of electrical
motors condition data accordingly to a predefined measurement route.
There are H1 and V1 points, which are between the ribbing and close to the fan guard.
They are measured with tactile sensor as a skewer. Skewer should be held
perpendicularly to the motor surface, which it is adhered to by gently pressing. In this
case, remember to hold the handle and not the sensor, while measuring with the tactile
sensor (figure 1).
The other H2 and V2 measuring points on the motor are measured with magnetic
sensor, which helps the measurement. In this situation the magnetic sensor has to adhere
tightly to the round surfaces of electric motor. The measurement must be start in the
horizontal device from the free end of the device, which drives the machine [6].

Figure 1. Measurement points for horizontal arrangement

In the case of vertical motors arrangement (figure 2) the sets of measurement are
obtained from bearing node, always from the right to the left, and if you look from the
free edge. Measuring points are on the horizontal level (H) first from right and
horizontal level (HH) and they are 90° to the left side.
 Renewable Energy Sources and Clean Technologies

Figure 2. Measurement points for vertical arrangement

This tester is compatible with the ST723 optical tachometer.

FLUKE 810 TESTER FOR VIBRATION MEASUREMENT AND DATA

ANALYSIS
Figure 2 summarizes the causes underlying the failure of electric motors [4].

Figure 3. Failures that characterize electric motors

Fluke 810 (figure 4) is a modern measurement instrument designed for a thorough and
comprehensive vibration diagnostics of machinery and rotating equipment. This tester
asks for basic machine information customers already know. Its onboard Info feature
gives field tips for setting up and taking measurements like a pro [7].
21st International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2021

• Fluke 810 tester to help you in testing on-site for: unbalance, misalignment,
bearing issues and looseness
• This tester is easy to use three step approach vibration tester: electric motors
setup, measurement setup and take measurement, and in finally the diagnose
• Advantages of viewer software are: multi user, multi PC installation, free
upgrade directly from internet and no yearly fee required

Figure 4. Fluke 810 Tester Vibration Analysis

RESULTS OF VIBRATION MEASUREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC MOTORS

FOR A CARGO SHIP
Rotated equipment with RPM more than 120 when is apply ISO standard 10816-3.
e.g., electrical machines below 300 kW on elastic foundation have the following limits:
Cl. A 0 – 2.3 mm/s newly commissioned
Cl. B 2.3 – 4.5 mm/s unrestricted
Cl. C 4.5 – 7.1 mm/s restricted long-term operation
Cl. D 7.1 – above high probability of damage
Limits of mechanical executive elements like pumps, engine pistons – allowed one
group higher.
Cl. A newly commissioned
Cl. B unrestricted
Cl. C restricted long-term operation
Cl. D action required
Cl. D vibrations over the limits but actions are not required
 Renewable Energy Sources and Clean Technologies

In table 1 are presented only readings with max. RMS results for each electrical motor.
Table 1. Results of vibration measurements for electrical motors analyzed
Electrical Motor Velocity ISO Bearing Trend Remarks and
Name RMS standard Envelope Velocity suggestions
(mm/s) (m/s2) RMS
Max Max (mm/s)
04.2021 04.2021 Max
BOW
Bow thruster
Bow thruster el. 6.227 Cl. C 27.969
motor
Hydraulic pump 2.769 Cl. B 20.942
for BT el. motor
Emergency fire
pump
EM fire pump el. 6.657 Cl. D 14.685 Signal high only
motor Last in one point.
value Trend needs to be
02.2021 controlled.
Actions to be
taken based on
trend result.
DECK
Emergency
Generator
Emergency 5.675 V.1 73.5
Alternator
Mooring windlass
winch
Mooring Windlass 0.432 Cl. A 33.458
winch W1 el.
motor
Mooring Windlass 1.262 Cl. A 33.545
winch W1 el.
motor
Mooring winches
AFT
Mooring winch M1 3.652 Cl. C 43.436
el. motor
Mooring winch M2 3.011 Cl. C 23.981
el. motor
Mooring winch M3 2.382 Cl. B 11.292
el. motor
ENGINE ROOM
ME Aux blowers
ME Aux blower 1.250 Cl. A 6.937
no1 electric motor
21st International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2021

ME Aux blower 1.453 Cl. B 6.679

no2 electric motor
Diesel Generators
DG no1 Alternator 7.1 V.1 -
DG no2 Alternator 6.992 V.1 -
DG no3 Alternator 7.276 V.1 -
Air compressor AC
Start AC no1 el. 9.435 Cl. B 29.522
motor
Start AC no2 el. 9.075 Cl. B 17.865
motor
SCW pumps
SCW pump for 2.450 Cl. B 9.705
harbour el. motor
SCW pump no1 el. 2.250 Cl. B 10.555
motor
SCW pump no2 el. 4.585 Cl. D 6.056 - Signal high only
motor in one point.
Trend needs to be
controlled.
Actions to be
taken based on
trend result.
FW cooling pumps
HT FCW pump 24.640 Cl. D 6.423 Check tightening
no1 el. motor Last of the foundation
value bolts. Next sets of
02.2021 measurement
19.420 needs to be done
up to two weeks.
HT FCW pump 14.970 Cl. D 20.290 Check tightening
no2 el. motor Last of the foundation
value bolts. Next sets of
02.2021 measurement
28.810 needs to be done
up to one month.
LO pumps
Lub oil pump ME 1.160 Cl. A 9.261
no1 el. motor
Lub oil pump ME 1.384 Cl. A 15.683
no2 el. motor
Ballast pumps
Ballast pump no1 3.447 Cl. C 104.018 Next
el. motor measurement
needs to be done
up to one month
Ballast pump no2 3.828 Cl. C 114,716 Next
el. motor measurement
 Renewable Energy Sources and Clean Technologies

needs to be done
up to one month
Transfer pumps
HFO transfer pump 1.447 Cl. B 6.460
no1 el. motor
HFO transfer pump 4.043 Cl. C 4.962
no2 el. motor
Fire&Bilge pumps
Bilge/Fire pump el. 2.878 Cl. C 12.473
motor
Bilge pump el. 2.407 Cl. B 7.638
motor
Separators
HFO 1 separator el. 1.570 Cl. B 6.420
motor
HFO 2 separator el. 5.980 Cl. D 50.980 El. motor needs to
motor be overhauled and
bearings replaced.
Clutch needs to be
check
HFO 3 separator el. 5.004 Cl. D 12.150 Signal high only
motor in one point,
Last mostly generated
value by environment.
02.2021 Trend needs to be
16.040 controlled.
Actions to be
taken based on
trend result.
FW pumps
Hot water 13.832 Cl. D 32.029 Trend needs to be
preheater pump el. controlled.
motor Last Actions to be
value taken based on
02.2021 trend result. Next
19.420 measurement
needs to be done
up to one
month.

CONCLUSION
In practice, the term of diagnosis intervenes with its usual acceptance, designating the
action of identifying the conditions that generate the observed effects.
The advantages of vibration tester are:
 inspection of electrical motors in order to carry out preventive and scheduled
maintenance
21st International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2021

 necessary measures to be taken to avoid unforeseen failures

 measures to reduce the maintenance costs and minimize the production losses
 maintenance and quality control
The base condition for the technical diagnosis of electric motors is vibration monitoring.
Mainly the vibration analysis pursues two main objectives, namely:
 keeping the dynamic forces as low as possible
 early detection of failure trends, in order to optimize maintenance actions.
In practice, the dynamic forces cannot be measured directly and for this purpose it is
necessary to follow some main parameters that characterize the vibrations:
 amplitude - indicates the severity of motors fault
 frequency - allows to establish the source (place of fault)
 phase - identifies the direction of motor vibration
 shape - shows how the rotor moves (orbit)
The maintenance practiced on the basis of the diagnosis can be characterized as
“predictive and to the object”, in the sense that it is “fixed as moments as an element
within the diagnosed system.
The implementation of the technical diagnosis system with reference to the electric
motors on shipboard, implies the following effects:
 increase the cost of investments
 reducing failure intervals and minimizing corrective maintenance times
 favors the increase of the life of the electric motor
 increases the degree of automation and computerization of the system

REFERENCES
[1] Borstlap R., Hans ten K., Ships’ electrical Systems, 2nd Edition Dokmar Maritime
Publishers B.V., Netherlands, 2021, pp 72-104.
[2] Giuffrida M., Electric Plants and Electric Propulsion on Ships, Switzerland, pp 1-52,
2019.
[3] Fîță D.N., Radu M.S., Păsculescu D., Popescu F.G., Using the primary energetic
resources or electrical energy as a possible energetical tool or pressure tool,
International conference Knowledge-Based Organization, Romania, vol. XXVII/issue 3,
pp 21-26, 2021.
[4] ABB, Motors don’t just fail...do they? A guide to prevent failure, pp 1-70, 2014.
[5] ABB, Low voltage motors Installation, operation, maintenance and safety manual,
3GZF500730-85 Rev. G 07, pp 1-27, 2016.
[6] http://www.info-marine.com/
[7] www.fluke.com