Motor controller and methods of monitoring motor status

Abstract

A motor controller for controlling an electric motor includes at least one integrated sensor disposed on the electric motor. The least one integrated sensor is configured to collect sensor data associated with a status of the electric motor for a period of time, the period of time beginning at an activation time and extending at least until an installation time. The motor controller may include an energy management system configured to power the at least one integrated sensor for at least a portion of the period of time, and a memory device configured to store the sensor data. The motor controller may include a data management system configured to communicate the sensor data from the at least one integrated sensor to at least one of the memory device and a remote device.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The field of the disclosure relates generally to a controller for an electric motor and, more specifically, a motor controller and methods of using the same to monitor the status of an electric motor before installation and field use of the motor.[0002]It is not uncommon for a motor, such as a motor used in various residential applications, to be produced and to be stored for a period of time before that motor is installed and used “in the field.” For instance, the motor may be stored in a production factory, a storage area, various transportation vehicles or location, and / or in OEM warehouses. During this period of time between production and installation, the motor may experience one or more status events that may affect the reliability and / or the lifetime of the motor. The motor may experience a fall event, or may be stored under environmental conditions that can affect electrical or other components of the motor. If any such status events were to negatively affec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a motor controller that can monitor the status of an electric motor. It includes a sensor that collects data about the motor's status for a period of time, which begins when the motor is activated at an activation time and ends when the motor is installed. The sensor is powered by an energy management system and the data it collects is stored in a memory device. The motor controller can also communicate this data to a remote component or another memory device. Overall, this technology allows for efficient monitoring of electric motors to improve their performance and reliability.

Problems solved by technology

During this period of time between production and installation, the motor may experience one or more status events that may affect the reliability and / or the lifetime of the motor.

The motor may experience a fall event, or may be stored under environmental conditions that can affect electrical or other components of the motor.

However, there is currently no system designed to track the status of the motor before it is installed.

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