Evaluation of Stator and Rotor Interturn Stress with Electrical Signature Analysis in Variable Frequency Drive and Wind Generator Applications

Electrical Signature Analysis is the application and analysis of Voltage and Current data collected on electrical machinery systems. The measurements are converted to amplitude modulated Fast Fourier Transforms that can be evaluated for power, machine and powertrain conditions. Electrical and mechanical conditions are determined through their effects on the airgap magnetic field. One of these effects includes the detection of winding shorts. It has been found in variable frequency drive and wind generation applications that stator and rotor interturn stresses can be detected prior to insulation breakdown. The application of the technology in determining these conditions allows for mitigation of the conditions surrounding the winding stress and potential breakdown.