Assessment of the Reliability of Motors in Utility Applications - Updated

TLDR

The study aimed to assess the current reliability of powerhouse motors and identify design and operational factors that could enhance motor and plant reliability by collecting detailed data on motor use, failures, and causes. The authors surveyed 6,312 motors from 168 generating units across 65 utilities, representing 40 % of the motor population. The extensive dataset permits meaningful analysis when broken into smaller groups.

Abstract

An Industry Assessment Study (IAS) was conducted to evaluate the present reliability of powerhouse motors and to identify design and operational characteristics which, through advanced development, offer the potential of increased motor, and therefore, power plant reliability. The primary objective of the IAS was to collect, analyze, and interpret candid, detailed information concerning motor application, operating factors, installation, manufacturer, failures and causes of failures. The survey data covers 6312 motors from 168 generating units representing 65 utilities. This data covers 40 percent of the population surveyed. The large quantity of data allows a meaningful analysis when it is broken down into smaller groupings.