Smart Sensors Identify When Motors Needs Servicing
Engineering360 News Desk | May 03, 2016ABB has developed smart sensors that attach directly to low-voltage motors to supply information regarding their operation and condition via wireless transmission. The net result is that downtime can be reduced by up to 70% and motor lifetime can be extended by up to 30%, the company says.
The smart sensor provides information on parameters such as vibration, temperature and overload—and calculates power consumption. The data are analyzed by software and provided to the plant operator in the form of graphics for maintenance planning. Via the sensor's intelligent management of the motor's condition, the resulting downtime reduction, extended lifetime and energy savings pay for the investment in condition monitoring in less than a year, ABB says.
The sensors reduce motors' downtime by up to 70%, ABB says. Image credit: ABB.The sensors are not restricted to new motors manufactured by ABB. They can be installed at the factory or retrofitted on low-voltage motors "within minutes," the company says.
"Unscheduled outages are reduced considerably or even eliminated completely," says Pekka Tiitinen, president of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion Division. "Increased availability significantly boosts our customers' productivity."
Cyber security is guaranteed at all times with the new technology, ABB says. Since the sensors are not electrically connected to the motor, unauthorized parties cannot access it via this route.
The smart sensors wirelessly transmit the data via encryption protocols to a secure server where they are analyzed using special algorithms. The data are stored in the cloud in encrypted form. Moreover, the Internet-based customer portal also uses a role-based access protocol to make the data securely accessible.