Electrical Signature Diagnostics for Rotating Machine Fault Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional monitoring and diagnostics solutions for electrical power system components are complex, costly, and ineffective for intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), providing unreliable predictions and prone to measurement errors, and are not easily adaptable to different types and sizes of equipment.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for electrical signature analysis that includes a data acquisition device and an equipment controller to detect and analyze electrical, thermal, and electromechanical data, converting it from the time domain to the frequency domain to obtain baseline and monitoring data, determining fault frequencies, and issuing alarms based on relative changes, allowing for early prediction of mechanical failures in electrical rotating machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional monitoring solutions are used for electrical power system components, then monitoring capability is provided, but the solutions are complex, costly, and not easily adaptable to different types and sizes of equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different equipment types and sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring solution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal monitoring system that can be applied to different types and sizes of electrical equipment (motors, generators, transformers) through a standardized platform. The system uses generic signal processing algorithms and hardware interfaces that can be configured for various equipment types, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring solutions for each device category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to different equipment by changing operational parameters such as frequency ranges, threshold values, and analysis windows rather than requiring structural modifications. The monitoring solution adjusts its parameters based on equipment specifications, enabling versatility without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional monitoring solutions are used, then monitoring is provided, but measurement and accuracy related errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of health predictionVSAvoidreliability of prediction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors electrical signals and provides feedback loops for adjusting detection thresholds and alarm settings. By analyzing historical data and comparing current measurements against established baselines, the system reduces measurement errors and improves prediction reliability through adaptive feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs comprehensive signal analysis that processes more data than minimum required (excessive action) by analyzing multiple frequency components, harmonics, and temporal patterns simultaneously. This over-analysis approach ensures that no critical information is missed, thereby improving measurement precision and prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If manual monitoring processes are used, then monitoring is provided, but labor costs and response time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time to failures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. It automatically acquires electrical signals, processes the data, detects anomalies, and generates alarm conditions. The system serves itself by continuously self-diagnosing equipment health status, eliminating the need for human operators and thereby improving productivity while reducing response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring processes with automated electronic signal processing. Electrical signatures are analyzed using digital algorithms instead of human inspection, substituting mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation. This substitution dramatically improves monitoring efficiency and reduces the time loss associated with manual detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10928814B2Autonomous procedure for monitoring and diagnostics of machine based on electrical signature analysis

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH

AI summary

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing an autonomous procedure for monitoring and diagnostics of a machine using electrical signature analysis. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a method includes providing electrical data of an electrical rotating machine associated with at least one fault frequency. While in a learning mode, the method includes converting the electrical data from a time domain to a frequency domain to obtain baseline data. While in an operational mode, the method includes converting the electrical data from the time domain to the frequency domain to obtain monitoring data. The method further includes determining, based at least on the monitoring data, a ratio value at the fault frequency, determining a rate of change of the ratio value at the fault frequency, and, optionally, issuing, based on the rate of change, an alarm concerning at least one event of the electrical rotating machine.