Modeling and Characterization of Induction Motor Internal Faults Using Finite-Element and Discrete Wavelet Transforms

Abstract

This paper examines the behavior of a three-phase induction motors with internal fault conditions under sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal supply voltages. This includes two types of faults, rotor broken bar and stator faults. Early detection and diagnosis of these faults are desirable for condition assessment, maintenance schedule, and improved operational efficiency of induction motors. The terminal behavior of the induction motor was investigated by coupling the induction motor transient finite-element (FE) model and external electric circuit. Such a model would allow the efficient representation of the induction machine with internal faults. A discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was then used to extract the different harmonic components of the stator currents. The key advantages of the DWT are its ability to provide a local representation (in both time and frequency) of the current signal for normal and faulty modes, and its applicability to nonstationary signals