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Equipment Management Archives - Page 3 of 3 - HECO

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Basics of AC Induction Electric Motors – Magnetism

November 14, 2016

Todd A. Hatfield – Vice President of Engineering & Repair, HECO This is the first article (video) in a series of articles on The Basics of AC Induction Motors. This video explores the basic principles of AC Induction motors. This segment discusses magnetism basics, the law of electromagnetic induction, AC current, and the explanation of …

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Current spectrum of a good rotor under load

Methods of Detecting Cracked Rotor Bars in Electric Motors

August 11, 2016

Before reading about these different tests, please check out our last few articled on electric motor theory and rotor bar cracks: How Does an Induction Electric Motor’s Rotor Work? How do 2-pole Electric Motor Rotor Bars Crack? Besides a simple visual inspection, below is a summary of the most common methods of detecting cracked rotor …

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cracking of bars within/ around rotor

How do 2-Pole Electric Motor Rotor Bars Crack?

August 4, 2016

Rotor bars of 2-pole (3600RPM) rotors are subjected to high stresses caused by repeated starting, thermal expansion and centrifugal forces. The repeated starting with resultant cyclic forces causes the bars to loosen. This is because the rotating magnetic stator field applies rapidly alternating forces to each rotor bar, diminishing in intensity and frequency as the …

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diagram of a motor cut away

How Does an Induction Electric Motor’s Rotor Work?

July 28, 2016

The induction of current flow through an induction electric motor’s rotors bars occurs when current is applied to the stator. This applied current through the stator windings starts the rotation of the stators magnetic field at line frequency. The rotor bars of the stationary rotor are then subjected to the maximum relative motion of the …

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shaft circulating currents

What are Electric Motor Shaft Circulating Currents?

July 19, 2016

Shaft circulating currents are caused from “dissymmetries” in the magnetic paths through the stator and rotor iron. As the rotor rotates within the stator and as the stators magnetic field rotates, small differences in the magnetic “reluctance” of the core parts generate small voltages be­tween the ends of the shaft. As you can see from …

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diagram of a bearing house arrangement GIF

Electric Motor Ball Bearing Lubrication Pitfalls

July 14, 2016

This is our third and final article in a series of articles on ball bearings in electric motors. You are encouraged to view our prior articles at the links below: Electric Motor Ball Bearings Types & Options Greasing Electric Motor Ball Bearings This article picks up where those left off… What else should you consider …

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pie chart of motor components to watch to predict and prevent failure

Greasing Electric Motor Ball Bearings

July 8, 2016

Before reading this article, please first read our article on Ball Bearing types and options. That is the first article in this series of articles on electric motor ball bearings. This article is focusing on some factors to consider when greasing ball bearing motors. There is a variety of useful information in this article, but …

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Ball bearing components image

Electric Motor Ball Bearings Types & Options

June 29, 2016

Most electric motors in industrial facilities consist of rolling element bearings, either ball bearings or roller bearings. We will explore these different types of bearings and sealing methods in this article. Ball Bearing Used in direct coupled applications. These can handle axial as well as radial loads. Roller Bearing Used for belted applications, generally in …

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Insulating Electric Motors: VPI or Varnish Dip?

May 19, 2016

VPI (Vacuum Pressure Impregnation) is a process that is a technological step forward from varnishing electric motors. The old dip and bake (in varnish) method of “insulating” motors is replaced by the VPI process for specific reasons: Harsh Environment Improved Efficiency (through better heat transfer) Improved Mechanical Winding Design When electric motor repairs proceed as …

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