El motor eléctrico es un componente clave en el mundo de la industria y el transporte. La falla de un motor eléctrico puede tener un impacto significativo en los costos de mantenimiento y las ganancias de una empresa. Es por eso que, durante muchos años, muchos usuarios de motores eléctricos han estado tratando de mejorar el rendimiento de su sistema de accionamiento adoptando una estrategia de mantenimiento orientada a la predicción de fallas.

Technological advances in on-line testing of motors, diagnostics and motor monitoring have increased substantially over the past few years. Voltage and current signature analyses have improved the quality of predictive maintenance (PdM) compared to what RMS current and voltage measurements or power-factor readings have been able to achieve. Signature analysis has emerged from the laboratory stage to become the foundation for modern instrumentation in mainstream industrial maintenance programs. The most advanced method of current signature analysis is torque signal analysis due to the fact it offers multiple advantages. One is the instantaneous torque signature, gained from current and voltage signatures. It
is inherently demodulated, and delivers a very clear signal independent of the line frequency (either 60Hz, or variable in VFD applications). In addition to demodulation, it delivers the clearest mechanical information available on the motor system, since torque production is the primary if not sole reason for the motor’s existence. Both motor and load failures can result in costly outages or reduced production for weeks at a time in a plant environment. The cost of such failures can easily run into millions of dollars. This paper presents three case studies where modern instrumentation averted downtime or reduced output and failure. One case study is based on findings of a coal-fired power plant, the second case study presents findings of a Lignite powered plant, and the third case study involves troubleshooting a VFD application in a sawmill.

Traction motor failures can be expensive. The costs of unplanned downtime and motor repair or replacement can be extreme, even to the point of damaging relationships with customers, including loss of business. Motor failures can also precipitate failures in other parts of a locomotive, such as the phase module drives for AC traction motors. Megger’s Baker Instruments product family includes AC and DC traction motor test solutions that completely evaluate the condition of the motor to deliver the high reliability and reduced costs necessary to stay competitive.

My goal is that this book will clarify a handful of the key points that are at the heart of most questions about infrared windows—their use and limitations.
The use of infrared (IR) inspection windows in industrial applications has grown exponentially over the past five years. Much of the recent acceptance has coincided with the increase in the level of awareness regarding electrical safety and risk reduction. Organizations such as OSHA, NFPA, CSA, IEEE, ANSI and NETA have been at the vanguard of this movement.