If we say the advancement in current era is ultimate result of spinning of machines, it would not be wrong. Industrial revolution was started when first wood carriage wheel was invented which makes it possible to transfer goods from one place to another with minimum time. In case of metal, every rotating part is encircled with a bearing mounted on static part, which reduces friction and provide support. Bearing is an essential part of every motor and generator irrespective of its size. Bearing shape and size depends upon the nature of job. For example for small motors, ball bearings are used where only lubrication is required for its operation and no formal maintenance is required. But in case of large generators where massive static bearings are used coated with white metal having small holes to allow lube oil for lifting and lubrication purposes.

According to the International Energy Agency, more than 51% of failures in electric motors are caused by bearings. One of the root causes of the bearing problems is unbalance, which needs to be monitored continuously to avoid unexpected failures.

Weak Side for Motor and Generators Bearing

In case of generators especially installed for base load operations which ranges from few mega watt to hundreds of mega watt, have sophisticated bearings to meet robust requirements. As it is well known that base load generator needs to operate 24/7 even for months continuously, in such scenario wear and tear may happen in bearings. For large bearings especially generator bearings, there is a thin layer of material called white metal placed at inner side on which the rotor used to be rolled / spin.  The speciality of this white metal is it can be replaced instead of replacing whole bearing in case of any wear and tear on it. There are small holes inside the bearing from where lube oil comes from lube oil pumps to lift the heavy rotor and make a layer, technically called film on inner side of white metal to keep it cool and frictionless.

Artesis e-MCM

Artesis’s unique patented technology uses a model-based current and voltage approach to detect a wide variety of faults in electric motors. This model-based approach works on the principle that the current drawn by an electric motor is affected not only by the applied voltage, but also by the behavior of the motor and driven equipment.

e-MCM monitors your rotating equipment continuously, constantly taking measurements and comparing them with the digital twin it created during the self-learning process. Unlike conventional online systems, its unique machine learning algorithm allows it to recognise normal operation in a wide range of conditions, such as different speeds or loads – allowing tight control without false alarms. If e-MCM identifies a new operating state not experienced during the self-learning phase, it gives you the option of including this state in all future monitoring.

Artesis e-MCM Fault Coverage

• Loose foundation/ components
• Mechanical unbalance
• Misalignment
• Transmission faults
• Driven equipment faults
• Gearbox, belt, coupling
• Bearing, stator and rotor faults
• Internal and external electrical faults

Therefore; bearing fault condition monitoring is equally important than any other considerations for reliable, safe and efficient operation of motor or generator.

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