Improved motors for utility applications. Volume 1. Industry assessment study: update and analysis. Final report

Abstract

The objective of EPRI RP-1763 ''IMPROVED MOTORS FOR UTILITY APPLICATIONS,'' is to evaluate the reliability and performance of present powerhouse motors and to identify design and operational characteristics which, through advanced development, offer the potential of increased reliability, performance, and efficiency. The initial activity of this project was an Industry Assessment Study to develop a data base of utility motor applications, operating factors, failures, causes of failures and impacts of failures on the operation of the generating station. Booz-Allen and Hamilton, a consultant to the General Electric Company on this project, conducted a survey of 168 generating units and obtained data on more than 6300 low- and medium-voltage motors with ratings greater than 100 hp. Initial results were presented in EPRI report EL-2678, Volumes 1 and 2. Since those initial results were published data has been processed on an additional 1527 motors at 36 generating units owned by 11 utilities. The purpose of this report is to update the initial report to include this additional information and to expand the scope of analysis. Results are presented relating motor failures to units, utilities, manufacturers, and applications.