This thesis is organized as follows: Chapter 2
This chapter presents a novel algorithm for induction motor full-load and partial loads efficiency estimation from only no-load test. The algorithm is based on power calculations and it utilizes a large database of induction motors tested for efficiency in Laboratoire des Technologies de l'Énergie, Institut de Recherche, Hydro-Québec, Shawinigan, Québec, Canada [85]. The data has a wide range of motors’ power rating and generously offered by Hydro-Québec as a contribution to the project. Another valuable set of data is received from BC Hydro, which includes the testing of 55 used (aged) induction motors [86]. The algorithm is validated by testing 196 induction motors of ratings ranged between 1 hp to 500 hp. The goal of the proposed algorithm is to be easily used in North America’s electric motor service centers. This research work is well received when presented in CIGRÉ 2014 in Paris.
Chapter 3
This chapter introduces another novel algorithm for induction motors efficiency estimation which also based on no-load tests. The algorithm requires the availability of variable voltages as it is based on the saturation test recommended by IEEE 112TM-2004. The algorithm also utilizes the Hydro-Québec/BC hydro data. The proposed algorithm is evaluated by testing eight induction motors and the results showed acceptable accuracy. The work is published in the IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion journal.
Chapter 4
This chapter presents a developed software that includes both algorithms of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 to create a useful industrial tool that can be used in electric motor service centers. The platform of the software is selected to be spreadsheets to make it affordable and user-friendly. The software is designed and upgraded upon feedbacks and comments that are received from technical monitors from several Canadian power companies. The software is evaluated and approved by the technical monitors and now it is being marketing by CEATI International Inc.
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Chapter 5
This chapter presents an algorithm for in-situ induction motor efficiency estimation by using a combination of GA procedures with the IEEE Form 2-Method F1 calculations. The algorithm is also designed to utilize the Hydro-Québec/BC hydro data. The algorithm uses the measured stray load loss and hot temperature. It requires only one load point which is full-load with its corresponding rms values of voltage, current, and power obtained at the motor terminals. The speed estimation technique used needs the current signal acquisition of only one line. The algorithm is not only an in-situ efficiency determination tool; it can also be used as a promising tool for on-site efficiency estimation that might eliminate the need to the costly dynamometer procedure. The algorithm is evaluated and assessed by testing 30 induction motors of different kinds and power ratings. The results show an acceptable level of accuracy. The work is published in the IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion journal as Early Accessed Article.
Chapter 6
This chapter proposes a novel algorithm for in-situ efficiency estimation of induction motors operating with unbalanced voltages by using a combination of GA procedure, IEEE Form 2-Method F1 calculations, and pre-tested motors. It is proven in Chapters 2 & 3 that using the assumed values of stray load loss can significantly increase the error and reduce the accuracy of the estimated efficiency. Hence, the proposed algorithm in this chapter is designed to utilize Hydro-Québec and BC hydro data. A strategy is proposed to assign an average value of stray load loss to the machine under test. The strategy is detailed in this chapter. The algorithm is also designed to use measured and assumed values of friction and windage losses. The algorithm requires only one load point which is full-load with its corresponding rms values of voltage, current, and power obtained at the motor terminals. The speed estimation technique that is used in this chapter needs the current signal acquisition of only one line. The algorithm is evaluated and assessed by 10 voltage unbalance tests and 2 test with balanced voltages using 2 small induction motors. The results are presented and show an acceptable level of accuracy. The goal of the study was to design a useful tool that can be used in industry to derate induction motors due to voltage unbalance.
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Chapter 7
This chapter proposes another novel algorithm for in-situ efficiency estimation of induction motors that operate with distorted unbalanced voltages by using GA procedures, IEEE Form 2-Method F1 calculations, and by utilizing Hydro-Québec/BC hydro data. The novelty of the algorithm is demonstrated by using a new approach in determining the stray load loss and friction and windage losses based on a certain strategies and novel equations which are declared in this chapter. The algorithm requires only one load point which is full-load with its corresponding rms values of voltage, current, and power obtained at the motor terminals. The online speed estimation technique that is used in this chapter needs the current signal acquisition of only one line. The algorithm is evaluated and assessed by 50 tests of different combinations of voltage unbalance and harmonics performed with two small induction motors. The results are presented and show an acceptable level of accuracy. The algorithm is also validated for its consistency by 10 repeated tests with a very low coefficient of variation. The usability of the algorithm with balanced harmonics free voltages is demonstrated by testing the two machines and an acceptable accuracy is shown.
Chapter 8
This chapter presents the conclusions and future works.