Journal

of Energy VOLUME 67 Number 4 | 2018 Special Issue

journal homepage: http://journalofenergy.com/

Motor Current
Saša NIKOLIĆ
Radoš ĆALASAN
Elmins doo

Signature
NikoleTesle 99,89240 Gacko
Bosnia and Herzegovina
office@elmins.ba

Analysis in
Predictive
Maintenance
SUMMARY
The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the possibilities offered by spectral analysis of current and voltage in the predictive maintenance of the
electric motor. Motor Circuit analysis (MCA) and Motor Current Signature analysis (MCSA) are innovative and non-invasive methods that enable
diagnostics and assessment of the condition of the electric motor. The main advantage of the method is that the test is carried out during the nor-
mal motor operation, without downtime. All motor defects can be detected at the earliest stage. This enable planning the overhaul according to the
condition which can make significant savings. Advanced MCSA analysers enable diagnostics of electric motors that are powered either via a soft
starter, frequency inverter or directly from mains. So, it is possible in a simple and reliable way make an condition assessment of frequency inverters.
In addition, it is possible to detect faults of driven machine, like misalignment, imbalance, blade faults, belts, bearings issues etc. Theoretical basis
and tests that are carried out are explained in the paper..

KEYWORDS
Predictive maintenance, Spectral analysis, MCA, MCSA

Introduction
In order to achieve market competitiveness, there is a constant pressure
to reduce maintenance costs and prevent unplanned production losses,
leading to loss of production, increased maintenance costs, and financial
losses. In recent years, online maintenance strategies are in use. However,
with such maintenance, the operator makes the final decision when it will
stop the equipment and enter it for overhaul. Also, these online monitoring
systems are mainly based on monitoring mechanical parameters, that is
vibration and analysis of vibration spectra. When it comes to pure mecha-
nical systems, this approach gives good results. However, when it comes
to complex systems that include an electric motor, this approach is not
enough. Namely, it may happen that measuring vibration determines the
defect of the system and incorrectly estimates the cause.
teristic current components that superimpose the basic harmonics. By de-
tecting and separating these current components, an electric motor defect
can be detected, such as a rotor bar damage, an inter-turn short circuits of
the stator winding or eccentricity of the rotor. Measurement is performed
during normal operation of the engine, without stopping and interrupting
the production process. It does not matter how far the measuring point is
from the motor. By measuring from the distribution cabinet, the status of
the circuit current (MCA) is additionally performed.
Defects that can be detected through components in the electric motor
current spectrum are [1], [2], [3]:
• Damage to the rotor bars,
• Static eccentricity,

A typical example is the occurrence of a second harmonic in a vibration • Dynamic eccentricity,

spectrum that does not have a mechanical cause. • Damage to the core,
Symbols • Stator winding defects,
P Number of motor poles %FLA Percent of full load, A • Damage to the bearings,
f Mains frequency, Hz fp Pole pass frequency, Hz
• Missalignment / imbalance,
f
sync Synchronous speed, Hz f ecc Frequency of eccentricity, Hz
• Loose foundation,

On the other hand, it is true that electrical defects are manifested through
the occurrence of certain harmonics in the vibration spectrum, but their
occurrence can therefore only be detected when the damage reaches a
serious extent.
The essential thing for a spectral analysis of an electric motor’s current
is that each failure of the electric motor modulates the flux of the motor,
creating the rotating components of the flux which further produce charac-
• Problems with the working machine.
Spectral analysis of the motor current can detect these defects at a very
early stage, preventing further secondary damage and complete failu-
re of the electric motor. Damage to the rotor bar will affect the vibration
spectrum of the engine, but since the vibrations are traditionally measured
on bearings and since for each electric motor there is a different mechani-
cal stiffness between the electromagnetic forces caused by breaking the
rotor bar and the place where vibration is measured, this further complica-

3 S. Nikolić, R. Ćalasan, Motor Current Signature Analysis in Predictive Maintenance, Journal of Energy, vol. 67 Number 4 (2018), Special Issue, p. 3–6
quency of 50Hz, which of course depends on 3. Measurement setting
ncy
2. ofTheoretical
the power supply basis network. A graphic, izdvojiti harmonici koji su posledica
ignal can be current
The electric presented signal in istheideally time the andright The zagađenja napajanja.
basic instrumentation
sinusoid system for measuring the
domain.tes the attempt to quantitatively define level of damage through vibration spectrum Measurement
consists of: setting
with a analysis.
frequency Vibrations of
caused50Hz,
by damage which ofarecourse
of rotor bars a secondarydepends
effect on 3. Measurement setting
An idealandtime diagram
often the damage reachesof athe current
serious and
level before its in the- Current
it is detectable transformer CT for signal measurement,
the frequency of the power
is shown. It is noted that there is only one
vibration spectrum. supply network. A graphic,
The basic instrumentation system for measuring the spectrum consists of:

current Duesignal can be ofpresented in the time - A• resistive

and shuntCTmounted
Current transformer at the CT outlet,
for signal measurement,
to all this, spectral
t in the spectrum, which
can serve for quality
analysis
is the
monitoring
motor currents and
of thebasic
conditionharmonic online monitoring
of the electric motor and- Spectrum
• The basic
Analyzer.
A resistive shunt mounted at the instrumentation
CT outlet, system for
frequency domain.
ency ofbration
50Hz. All other components in the Figure is a spectrum
schematicconsists of:
maintenance according to the condition.This system, along with online vi-
monitoring, can completely prevent unplanned downtime of the
•
3Spectrum Analyzer.
representation of the basic
Figure 1. An
electric motor ideal
and thustime
reduce diagram
are equal to zero. In practice, the current measurement setting.
the maintenance of
costs the
to a current
minimum. and its
Figure 3 is a - Current transformer
schematic representation of the basic CTsetting.
measurement for signal m
spectrum is shown.
"contaminated" by a number It is noted that there is only one
of components - A resistive shunt mounted at the CT
component
ferent causes. in In the
Theoretical basis spectrum,
addition to which
harmonics is onthe thebasic harmonic - Spectrum Analyzer.
fatthe
a frequency
fundamental of 50Hz.
frequency, All other
subharmonics components
The electric current signal is ideally the right sinusoid with a frequency of in the Figure 3 is a schematic representation
spectrum
the spectrum are of equal
the to
current. zero. In
Separating practice,
50Hz, which of course depends on the frequency of the power supply
and
network. A graphic, current signal can be presented in the time and frequ- the current measurement setting.
gsignal
these subharmonics
is "contaminated"
ency domain. is key by to evaluating
a numberthe of components
he motor.
having Itdifferent causes. Incomponent
addition tospectrum,
harmonics
Figure 1. An ideal time diagram of the current and its spectrum is shown.
is noted that there is only one in the which is on the
integersthe of the fundamental frequency, subharmonics
basic harmonic at a frequency of 50Hz. All other components in the
spectrum are equal to zero. In practice, the current signal is »contamina-
occurs harmonics
in theonspectrum of the current. Separating and
ted« by a number of components having different causes. In addition to
the integers of the fundamental frequency, subharmonics
identifying
occurs inthese subharmonics
the spectrum is key
of the current. Separating and to
subharmonics is key to evaluating the health of the motor.
evaluating
identifying these the
health of the motor.
Figure 3. Instrumentation setup
Figure 3. Instrumentation setup

The The system

system cancan alsovoltage
also include include voltage VT, measuring
measuring transformers
medium voltage motor. Depending on the real situation in the plant, the
if it is a

transformers VT,canifbe aittypeisof clip-on

current transformer a medium
and is mounted voltage
on one phase motor.
of the motor, or if a current measuring transformer is already installed in
An ideal sinusoidal signal and its spectrum Dependingthe plant, on
whichthe realthesituation
is usually case with largein the then
motors, plant, a probethe is mo-current
transformer
transformercan
Figure
be atotype3. Instrumentation
analyzeof clip-onof only setup
andoneisphase
unted on secondary current transformer. It is noted that only one current
is sufficient the spectrum mounted of the on
e motor operation, several components, or one phase motor. Theofmainthe reasonmotor, or if a current measuring
for this is that each defect produces a rotating
component of a flux that intersects all three phase windings of the motor
, will appear in the current spectrum. The transformer and inducesis in itThe
already
an system
appropriateinstalledcan
component ofin alsoplant,
the the
current thatinclude which volta
represents is
ectrum will consist of several peaks including usually the occurrence of the defect. For a successful spectral analysis, stan-
dardthe case
commercial with
transformers
current large are
transformers motors,
VT, itthen
if Although
sufficient. aa phase
is one probe
medium is
onent
Figureon 1. the
An network
ideal sinusoidal frequencysignal
Figure 1. An ideal sinusoidal signal and its spectrum
and
and its its
spectrummounted analysis phase is sufficient, it is better to measure all three phase currents
on secondary
for a complete Depending
analysis. current
on the transformer.
real situation It is innoted the pl
. This Duringis known as the Motors Current
the motor operation, several components, or harmonics, will appe-that only one current
After acquisitiontransformer transformer
of the current signals,can
FFT isbeis sufficient
a type
performed to
of clip-on
for separating analyze
the and
The analysis
MeditMaint 2018 of these harmonics
During the motor operation, several components,
ar in the current spectrum. The current spectrumafter the
will consist
the
of several
spectrum of
orin whichone only one phase of the motor.
spectral components. The motor condition is evaluated through a series
The main
of tests phase
the engine elementsof the motor,
are evaluated orThese
individually[4]. if a curr
ion and
harmonics, processing
will appear of the
in signal
the allows
current reason
spectrum. for
The
tests this
are described is that
below. each defect produces a rotating
of
these
variousspectrum
electric motors faults. of several peakscomponent
transformer is already installed in the
current
urther will consist including of usually a flux that the case intersects with all large three phase th
motors,
the component on the network frequencywindings
lectric
ration
itsof themounted
andOverview motor
of basic and induces tests
on secondary
in it an appropriate
current transform
nsharmonics.
are This is known as the Motors Current that only one current transformer is suffi
Signature. The analysis of these harmonics afterRotor
each the evaluation test
the spectrum of only one phase of the m
ffness
amplification and processing
eaking Figure 2. Spectrum of real current signal of the signal allows
formed in orderreason
In the Rotor
to determinefor
Evaluation Test,
this is that each defect
an analysis of the current spectrum is per-
the condition of the rotor and to detect po- prod
detection
sured, of various electric motors faults.
peaks including the component on the network frequency and its harmo- component
The main component of the current of a flux
is displayed that ofintersects
ssible damage. The spectrum is shown in the coordinate system Hz-dB.
at a frequency 50Hz a
tively Certain
nics. This is known as the Motors Current Signature. The analysis of these
harmonics are always present in the network
harmonics after the amplification and processing of the signal allows de-
alysis. voltage windings of the motor and induces in it
and with a weakening of 0dB. All other components of the spectrum are
shown by the weakening in relation to the basic harmonic. The weakening
as a electric
tection of various resultmotors
of harmonic
faults. network pollution.
are a However, these harmonics are negligible. In contrast, is expressed in decibels (dB).
Figure 2. Spectrum of real current signal
erious other harmonics are generated by various electrical and The greater the attenuation, the component’s amplitude is smaller. In this
Certain harmonics are always present in the network voltage as a result of test, the spectrum of the current around the basic harmonic is observed.
m. mechanical
harmonic networkdefects. AllHowever,
pollution. errorsthesecause a change
harmonics in the In The frequency of the pole pass is identifying (pole pass). If the component
are negligible.
ts and internal distribution
contrast, other harmonics areof generated
flux, which further
by various generates
electrical and mecha- of the spectrum is at a distance from the basic harmonic below the 54 dB
ng of harmonics
nical defects. All errors cause a change in the internal distribution of flux, line 54 dB, then the rotor is considered to be in good condition, with no si-
which further in the motor
generates current.
harmonics It should
in the motor beIt should
current. notedbethat
noted gns of damage and increased resistance. If these symmetric components
nance thethat spectrum
the spectrumalso includes
also includes inter-harmonics,
inter-harmonics, which can which
not becan
detec- are in the range between 45 dB and 54 dB, this means that there are signs
with not
ted by
be standard
detected spectrum analyzers.
by standard Kako se harmonici
spectrum analyzers. Kako se za of initial damage and places with increased resistance on the rotor bars
karakteristični
revent harmonici
određene defekte pojavljuju u strujnom spektru a ne i u naponskom, onda
karakteristični za određene
and end rings.
se upoređivanjem strujnog i naponskog spektradefekte pojavljuju
mogu izdvojiti harmonici
thus ukojistrujnom
su posledicaspektru
defekta a nea zagađenja
ne i u napajanja.
naponskom, onda se This situation still does not require urgent intervention. It is necessary to
monitor the development of defects and in case of progression to react
upoređivanjem strujnog i naponskog spektra mogu in time, before the fatal damage of the rotor bars. The level of the spectral
izdvojiti harmonici koji su posledica defekta a ne components at distancesfrom the base accordion, which is larger, that
is, the attenuation of less than 35dB, indicates significant damage to the
nusoid zagađenja napajanja. rotor bars or end rings and requires the urgent stopping of the motor and
ds on 3. Measurement setting
aphic,
e and 4 S. Nikolić, R. Ćalasan, Motor Current Signature Analysis in Predictive Maintenance, Journal of Energy, vol. 67 Number 4 (2018), Special Issue, p. 3–6
The basic instrumentation system for measuring the
spectrum consists of:
 35dB, indicates significant damage to the rotor bars or
Pull). Mechanical vibrations occur at 2x frequency. these c
end rings and requires the urgent stopping of the motor
These vibrations cannot be removed by balancing the of the
and inspection of the rotor in order to detect and correct rotor. For large motors, manufacturers allow the in this
inspection of the rotor in order to detect and correct the defect. The consequence of eccentricity in an electric motor is the emergence of
the defect. eccentricity of the
strong radial forces rotor
acting to direction
in the be up to of 5%.
the smallest air gap (Unbal- band a
Figure 4 shows the rotor evaluation spectrum for rotor with defect.
Figure 4 shows the rotor evaluation spectrum for rotor By anced Magnetic Pull). Mechanical vibrations occur at 2x frequency. These
spectral analysis of the current of the electric motor, by me
vibrations cannot be removed by balancing the rotor. For large motors,
with defect. the existenceallow
manufacturers of the
theeccentricity
asymmetry of theof the
rotor gap
to be up between
to 5%. the hidden
rotor andanalysis
By spectral the ofstator canof thebeelectric
the current easily
motor,and reliably
the existence of variati
determined.
the asymmetry ofFigure 7 shows
the gap between the and
the rotor partthe of the
stator cancurrent
be easily load va
and reliably determined. Figure 7 shows the part of the current spectrum
spectrum of the electric motor with the presence of faults
of the electric motor with the presence of eccentricity.
eccentricity. motor
gears,
genera
Figure 6. Air gap eccentricity Each m
motor
The consequence of eccentricity in an electric motor is
Spectr
the emergence of strong radial forces acting in the harmo
itMaint 2018 Figuredirection smallest air gap (Unbalanced Magnetic
of the spectrum
7. Eccentricity mecha
Figure 4. Rotor evaluation spectrum Figure 7. Eccentricity spectrum machin
Figure 4. Rotor evaluation spectrum
ce Figure Eccentricity indicators are four characteristic In Fig
Eccentricity indicators are four characteristic components in the spectrum
Figure5.5. shows a rotor with damaged
rotor bars. rotor bars.
In has a c
shows a rotor with damaged at a distance of 100Hz. In the case of eccentricity, all four components
components in the limit.
spectrum at a distance of 100Hz.
d exceed the permissible The frequency of eccentricityis proportional
the case
to the of of
number eccentricity,
bars in the rotorall
andfour components
is equal to the productexceed the It can
of the number
t. of bars and mechanical velocity in Hz.
permissible limit. The frequency of eccentricity is motor
is MeditMaint 2018 proportional to the number of bars in the rotor and is in the
te equal
Stator to thewindingsproduct of the number test
evaluation of bars and mecha
currence Figure 5. shows a rotor with damaged rotor bars.
mechanical velocity in Hz. in this
standard This test is used to assess the state of the stator winding and the connec- beginn
is
ufficient. ting circuit. A detailed analysis determines the condition of the winding
4.3. Stator windings evaluation test
ent, it is and the connecting circuit. Calculation of the following parameters is the co
he
complete This test is used to assess the state of the stator winding passing
performed:
nFFT is and
• the imbalance,
Voltage connecting circuit. A detailed analysis
d The
nts.
f tests in
determines
•
the condition of the winding and the
Current imbalance,
valuated connecting circuit. Calculation of the following
• Impedance imbalance,
. parameters is performed:
• Power factor imbalance

Figure 5. Rotor with broken bars -THD,Voltage imbalance, •

e currentFigure 5. Rotor with broken bars -CrestCurrent
factor, imbalance, •
mine the Rotor bars
Figure damage
5. Rotor withisbroken
a common
bars practice case in cage
nt
damage. motors. It is most commonly caused by an excessive • -Positive,
Impedance imbalance,
negative and zero current components
Rotor ofbars damage is a common practice caseveryin cage motors. It is most
he Rotor bars damage is a common practice case in cageBy analyzing
m Hz-dB. number
commonly
yed at a important
direct
caused
to detect
or too frequent
by an of
damage
startups.
excessive
the rotornumber
It is
bars in of
- Power factor imbalance
the obtained results, it is possible to assess with certainty the
direct or too frequent star-
time,
e. motors. It is most commonly caused by an excessivestate
tups.
0dB. All until theItbar
is very important
is lifted from the to slot,
detect damage
which of- the
THD,
stator winding and the connecting circuit. Quantitative and qu-
of the rotor bars in time, until
necessarily
the bar
n by the leads is liftedorfrom
to severe eventhe slot, which
irreparable alitative- analysis
necessarily
damage Crest offactor,
these parameters determines the location and level of
of the leads to severe or even Figure
B. number of direct or too frequent startups. It is verydamage.
irreparable
nic. The complete damage of the complete engine.
engine. The relation of current and impedance imbalance shows whether
the fault- inPositive, negative
the connecting circuit and zero
is in the current
form components
of a point with increased
a important
mplitude
to detect
4.2. Air gap evaluation test damage of the rotor bars in time, resistance or is a failure in the stator windings. Also, in this test, an eva- Figure
llcurrentuntil the bar is lifted from the
An ideal electric motor has a uniform air gap between
slot, which necessarily luation of the frequency regulator is performed, if present. The regularity
By analyzing centeri
requency
theAir gap
stator and evaluation testthis is usually not
the rotor. In practice, of switching in thethe obtained
power results, Ititalso
block is checked. is possible
determinesto
theassess
level of
he
). If theleads
the case.toThesevere
eccentricityorof theeven irreparable
air gap can be caused damage of the with
higher certainty
harmonics thatthethestate of
regulator the
injectsstator
into the winding and
network, which the
affects
An factory
both ideal electric
faults, motor
as wellhasasa the
uniform air gap between
consequences of the stator and the
he
from thecomplete
exploitation, engine.
rotor. In practice,
assemblythiserrors,
is usually
etc. not
Of the
the case.
factory
the work of other devices.
The eccentricity of the air connecting circuit. Quantitative and qualitative analysis
then the gap canit is be caused
the caseboth
of anfactory faults, as well
andas the consequences of
with no
defects, often oval rotor or stator, of these parameters determines the location and level of
4.2. aAir
resultgap
asexploitation, evaluation
of assembly
mounting errors,
errors, etc.test
Of theinfactory
especially large defects, it is often the
mounting errors, especially damage. The relation of current parts and impedance
deIf these engines
case ofwhere
an oval therotor
bearings are and
or stator, not asmounted
a resultinofthe Test for evaluation of mechanical
n 45 dB Anbonnet,
ideal
in most
large electric
often there
engines where motor
is hasareaof not
a misalignment
the bearings uniform
rotor and
mounted airthegap
in bonnet,between
most imbalance shows whether the fault in the connecting
nt
of initial
on thethestator.
oftenTwo
stator theretype
is aofmisalignment
and eccentricity are
the rotor. existing.
In
of rotor andThat
practice,
stator.
this is usually notMechanical
are Two type of eccentricity
eccentricity. In static eccentri- circuit
defects modulate the flux of the motor that further induces the
is inofthe the form
currentof at a
thepoint with frequency.
increasedThe resistance
y static
are and dynamic
existing. Thateccentricity.
are static and In static eccentricity,
dynamic components appropriate problem is
the case.
thecity,
minimum Theair gapeccentricity
the minimum isairalways
gap isatalways
the sameof the
at place
the onair
same gap
theplace on can be
the stator caused
edge. or
thatisthe
a failure
levels of in the
these stator
components windings. Also,
are negligible in this
in relation totest, an
the level
he
rvention. stator edge. In contrast, in dynamic eccentricity, the
f defectsboth
In contrast, in dynamic eccentricity, the point of minimum air gap moves evaluation of the basic harmonic and its multiplications. Therefore, in this test, the si-
of the frequency regulator is performed, if
point factory
of minimum
during rotation of faults,
air gaprotor.
the moves asduring
well asof the
rotation the consequences ofgnal is separated at a 50Hz frequency band and its harmonics, making the
he
efore the rotor. present. The regularity of switching in the power block
spectralexploitation, assembly errors, etc. withOfan eccentricity
the factory components caused by mechanical defects visible and allowing analysis
Figure
Figure 6. 6. shows
shows an illustration
an illustration of anofelectric
an electric
motor motor
with of
he isof hidden
checked. signalsItthatalso
are thedetermines the load
result of a repeated level of higher
variation. Spectral
Figure
defects,
ccordion, anthe air it
gap.
eccentricity is ofoften
the air the
gap. case of an oval rotor or stator, and analysis further determines what this load variation means and enables
o
ess than harmonics that the
us to identify potential regulator
faults injects
with the balance into
of the rotor,the network,
the centering of
r bars oras a result of mounting errors, Figure especially in large
6. Air gap eccentricity
se
he motor which
the motor affects
shaft andthe work
the of
working other
machine,devices.
belts, bearings, gears, pumps,
For p
d correctengines where the bearings are not mounted in the
compressors and other mechanically generated anomalies.
B bonnet, most often there is a misalignment of rotor and 4.4. knowle
Each Test for evaluation
mechanical of mechanical
component associated partsmotor has its
with an electric
Mechanical
own frequency.defects modulateSpectrum,
the fluxit of the motor that Thus,
al
for rotor
stator. Two type of eccentricity are existing. That arethe increased harmonics corresponding to the frequency of the mechani-
On the Demodulation is necessary to identify
further induces the components of the current at thea necess
he static and dynamic eccentricity. In static eccentricity,cal circuits associated with the working machine. The increase indicates balls, t
appropriate
problem in thatfrequency.
part. The problem is that the levels of
the minimum air gap is always at the same place on the Figure 8, a demodulation spectrum for a motor that has a centering error
n. stator edge. In contrast, in dynamic eccentricity, theIn is shown.
ts point Figureof6. Airminimum
gap eccentricity air gap moves during rotation of the
he rotor. The consequence of eccentricity in an electric motor is
al Figure 5 6.of shows an illustration
the emergence of strong radial forces acting in the
S. Nikolić, of anSignature
R. Ćalasan, Motor Current electric motor
Analysis with
in Predictive Maintenance, Journal of Energy, vol. 67 Number 4 (2018), Special Issue, p. 3–6
the smallest air gap (Unbalanced Magnetic
n, andirectioneccentricity of the air gap.
 ed the
It
motorcan and
be seen
pumpinrotor
the figure
causesthat the uncertainty
the components of the
to emerge
yed the
is
yand is motor and pump rotor causes the
in the power spectrum at mechanical and double components to emerge
is
and is in the power
mechanical spectrum
speeds. There are at no mechanical
significant and double
components
s and
s and mechanical
in this motor speeds.
that There
would are no
represent significant
other components
defects. Inpump
the
It can be seen in the figure that the uncertainty of the motor and
in this motor that would represent theother defects. atIn the Conclusion
beginning
rotor causes part
the of the
components spectrum
to emerge inmasked
powerby the noise
spectrum lie
mecha-
nical and double
beginning mechanical
part of the speeds. There
spectrum are no significant
masked by the components
noise lie Motor Current Signature Analysis this is an innovative method that allows a
the
in thiscomponents
motor that wouldcorresponding
represent other defects.to theIn thefrequency
beginning partof
of thorough analysis of the condition of the electric motor. The advantage of
inding the
passing components
themasked
the spectrum corresponding
bearings,
by thenoise
the pump to the
blades
lie the ... frequency
components correspondingofto this method is that testing is carried out during the normal operation of the
nding
nalysis passing the of
the frequency bearings,
passing thethe pumpthe
bearings, blades ... ...
pump blades motor and there is no need to stop and interrupt the production process.
nalysis In our area, this method is very little represented in the process of electro-
d the motor maintenance. However, in the United States it has become a stan-
dowing
the dard in the last few years. The savings that can be achieved by applying
owing this method in the predictive maintenance of the electric motor have been
recommended as a standard procedure applied in the industry. As it has
become usual for us to measure the vibrations routinely, as a standard
maintenance procedure, MCSA has become the standard method for te-
sting electric motors in the US industry. Producers of advanced MCSA
analyzers are still few and are all from the USA. However, the importance
of this method is becoming increasingly evident in Europe and the manu-
facturers of these analyzers are slowly turning to our market.
The method of spectral analysis of currents, as a diagnostic method and
Figure 8. Demodulation spectrum tool in predictive maintenance does not exclude the method of vibro-di-
Figure 8. Demodulation spectrum agnostics. On the contrary, this method compensates for the defects in
nents vibro-diagnostics in the analysis of complex systems and a good combi-
nents Figure 9. showsspectrum
Figure 8. Demodulation the spectrum of the same motor after nation of these methods, it is possible to accurately and reliably evaluate
Figure
centering. 9. shows the spectrum ofmotor
the after
same motor after the state of all rotary machines driven by an electric motor.
assess Figure 9. shows the spectrum of the same centering.
assess centering. As vibration measurement has become a widely accepted method for
nd the assessing the condition of mechanical circuits, so will the spectral analysis
nd the
nalysis method of electric motors to find their place in predictive maintenance. The
alysis
vel of confirmation of this is the continuous improvement of advanced analyzers
and the increasing interest of companies, which have so far solely enga-
vel of
edance ged in the production of vibration analyzers, to conquer this technology
dance
ecting and manufacture their own analyzers.
ecting
stance
stance
est, an
med, an
est, if
med,
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Figure 9. Demodulation spectrumspectrum after alignment
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condition of the mechanical circuits associated with the electric motors is
obtained.

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6. Luo at al., (2015), Induction Motor Cu-
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6 S. Nikolić, R. Ćalasan, Motor Current Signature Analysis in Predictive Maintenance, Journal of Energy, vol. 67 Number 4 (2018), Special Issue, p. 3–6