Application of the Goertzel’s Algorithm in the Airgap Mixed Eccentricity Fault Detection

Abstract

In this paper, a suitable method for the on-line detection of the airgap mixed eccentricity fault in a three-phase cage induction motor has been proposed. The method is based on a Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA) approach, a technique that is often used for an induction motor condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. It is based on the spectral analysis of the stator line current signal and the frequency identification of specific components, which are created as a result of motor faults. The most commonly used method for the current signal spectral analysis is based on the Fast Fourier transform (FFT). However, due to the complexity and memory demands, the FFT algorithm is not always suitable for real-time systems. Instead of the whole spectrum analysis, this paper suggests only the spectral analysis on the expected airgap fault frequencies employing the Goertzel’s algorithm to predict the magnitude of these frequency components. The method is simple and can be implemented in real-time airgap mixed eccentricity monitoring systems without much computational effort. A low-cost data acquisition system, supported by the LabView software, has been used for the hardware and software implementation of the proposed method. The method has been validated by the laboratory experiments on both the line-connected and the inverter-fed three-phase fourpole cage induction motor operated at the rated frequency and under constant load at a few different values. In addition, the results of the proposed method have been verified through the motor’s vibration signal analysis.