Stator current spectrum analysis of a double cage induction motor with rotor asymmetry

Abstract

This study presents a method to directly calculate the stator current Fourier spectra in double-cage induction motors to diagnose faults in rotor cages. A circuit model is developed for this purpose, allowing the modelling of any asymmetry in the outer and inner rotor cages. The model extends the conventional model of a cage motor by considering the higher space harmonics generated by the stator windings. The asymmetry of the cages is modelled by growing the resistance of any of the rotor bars. This results in various model equations, to be solved by looking for diagnostic signals. Motor current signature analysis is typically used to diagnose cage motors based on the Fourier spectra of the stator currents during steady-state operation. This study determines these spectra for double cage motors using the harmonic balance method, omitting the transient calculations. The calculation results confirmed the sensitivity of the stator current Fourier spectra as a diagnostic signal to distinguish faults in the outer and inner cages.