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Application of frequency converter to examine induction motors using spectral analysis method of stator current

M.A. Zakharov, A.S. Strakhov, E.M. Novoselov, D.A. Polkoshnikov, I.N. Sulynenkov, A.A. Skorobogatov

Vestnik IGEU, 2025 issue 3, pp. 46—60

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Abstract in English: 

Background. Currently, one of the most promising methods to monitor damage of the rotor windings of induction motors is the method of spectral analysis of the stator current in steady-state and starting modes of operation. However, almost all such studies have been conducted without considering frequency converters, which are commonly used in drive systems. Frequency converters can be used to increase the starting time of an induction motor and change the voltage and frequency values, which will allow achieving more reliable diagnostic results. Therefore, it is relevant to study the possibilities to use a frequency converter to monitor the condition of the rotor windings of motors based on the stator current.

Materials and methods. A test bench has been developed for the research. The study has been conducted based on an induction motor of the AIR71A6 type with a fault-free rotor winding and one broken rod. A Vesper E4-8400-010H frequency converter has been used as a power converter. The ENMU device has been used to record the stator current from the current transformers. The stator current signals have been processed using the short-time Fourier transform with the Flattop window function.

Results. The frequency-time spectra of the stator current signals have been obtained and analyzed with and without a breakage in the rotor winding rod of the induction motor. The frequency converter has been used to increase the start-up duration and change the operating parameters during the motor operation. A harmonic component characteristic of damage has been detected in case of a break, which confirms the possibility to use the converter for motor diagnostics.

Conclusions. The results of the research have shown that in diagnostic process frequency converters are not only a possible source of interference and distortion of diagnostic information, but also a tool to obtain more reliable results on the condition of the rotor windings of induction motors.

References in English: 

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Key words in Russian: 
асинхронный двигатель, преобразователь частоты, спектральный анализ, оконное преобразование Фурье, ток статора, обрыв стержней ротора
Key words in English: 
induction motor, frequency converter, spectral analysis, short-time Fourier transform, stator current, rotor bar breakage
The DOI index: 
10.17588/2072-2672.2025.3.046-060
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