Novel Vibration Diagnosis Technologies for Lubrication Deficiency in Rolling Bearings of Induction Motors

Lack of lubrication in rolling-element bearings is a leading root cause of premature failure in induction motors and other electromechanical drives. This study proposes novel vibration-based technologies for diagnosing a lack of lubrication in bearings of induction motors. Two technologies are proposed: the Filter-less spectral kurtosis (FLSK), which quantifies impulsive energy generated by a lack of bearing lubrication, and the fundamental rotational harmonic technology, which captures an increase in the fundamental rotational harmonic magnitude, also induced by a lack of bearing lubrication. Comprehensive experimental trials are performed on a Siemens induction gearmotor, used in airport baggage handling conveyor systems. The experimental results show that both technologies exhibit effective diagnostics.