Quad Demodulation: a Time Domain Diagnostic Method for Induction Machines

Motor Current Signature Analysis is the reference method for the diagnosis of induction machines. However, it features some drawbacks, as it is bound to steady-state conditions, and fault signatures may be created by different overlapping phenomena. This paper presents a full-time domain-based method for the quantitative evaluation of electrical faults in induction machines. It relies on stator current measurements; thus, it is compliant with switching power converter drives, provided that a proper current measurement technique is available. Moreover, it allows an accurate quantification of faults without requiring spectrum analysis; hence, it achieves high resolution even with a low time acquisition period. A fault index is computed as the energy of the signal in a suitable “fault bandwidth,” thus reducing the effects of frequency variations. The aforementioned advantages are perfectly suited to time varying signals and to embedded drive diagnostic systems.