Sector(s): Electronics, Sensors & Photonics, Energy & Renewables, Engineering & Manufacturing
About Opportunity:
Commutating electric motors emit RF arcing signals when the commutators make contact with brushes during motor operation. These RF signals can be captured using balanced or unbalanced screened loop antennas to provide good signal sensitivity. Captured RF signals can vary in frequency, width/time duration and amplitude based on key mechanical and electrical properties of the motor. This means that captured signals can be used to derive information regarding a number of motor properties, including:
Rotational speed
Torque/load
Rotational axis eccentricity
Testing of interpoles/compoles
Motor belt integrity
Brush integrity
These parameters can be monitored and trended over time to provide an assessment of the motor health. The system also offers the capability for self-calibration and compensation factors for motor torque.