Intelligent fault detection scheme for line start permanent magnet synchronous motors

Line start permanent magnet synchronous motors (LSPMSMs) allow reaching super premium efficiency levels, and hence induction machines are gradually replaced by high efficiency motors in many industrial applications of developed countries. According to ETP (EPP9), Malaysia also plans to exert high efficiency motors. High efficiency motors will have positive impacts on the environment by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emission. In practical point of view, LSPMSMs have significant advantages over induction machines, which are: higher efficiency, higher power factor, higher torque and power density. As the number of LSPMSMs used in different fields is increasing, presence of maintenance scheme based on incipient fault detection for this type of motor becomes important and vital. Early detection of irregularity in the motor with proper fault diagnosis schemes will help to prevent high cost failures and reduces maintenance costs and thus prevents unscheduled downtimes that result in lost production and loss of financial income. The use of LSPMSMs in industry is in its infancy and therefore presence of an efficient scheme for incipient faults detection in LSPMSMs is very important. Accordingly, the main aim of this research is to investigate the faults that may be occurred in LSPMSMs and propose an algorithm that is capable of incipient fault detection and its remediation. The benefit of this research is building a test and measurement hub for incipient faults detection in LSPMSMs.