Mechanical load fault detection in induction motors by stator current time-frequency analysis

This paper examines the detection of mechanical faults in induction motors by an original use of stator current time-frequency analysis. Mechanical faults lead generally to periodic load torque oscillations. The influence of the torque oscillations on the induction motor stator current is studied using an analytical approach. The mechanical fault results in a sinusoidal phase modulation of the stator current, which is equivalent to a time-varying frequency. Based on these assumptions, several signal processing methods suitable for stator current signature analysis are discussed: classical spectral analysis, instantaneous frequency estimation, and the Wigner distribution. Experimental and simulation results validate the theoretical approach in steady-state operating conditions.