Motor and generator users get improved life cycle services

Users of medium- and high-voltage motors and generators can benefit from maximum uptime of their application or process, following the setting up of a dedicated life cycle services team by ABB. Customers have access to fully trained experts in motors and generators who have available an array of world-leading on-line and off-line technology that forms the backbone of a predictive maintenance programme.

The team aims to offer best-practice advice and to optimise maintenance planning for motors and generators by moving from time-based to condition-based maintenance, thus extending a machine’s lifetime and boosting its return on investment. ABB says the approach will minimise unplanned downtime and reduce risk levels while ensuring that the machine operates at its peak performance throughout the life cycle of the application.

“These machines are always critical to the running of a plant and customers need reassurance that these machines will never let them down. As manufacturers of large machines we have the best understanding of the special requirements that such machines need to work at their optimum capability,” says Peter Wright, manager of the new motors and generators life cycle services business.

Depending on the age of the installed machine, ABB offers a series of inspection levels from L1 to L4. Backing up these inspection profiles are a selection of tools that ABB has developed specifically for monitoring motors and generators, typically greater than 1 MW.

One such tool is the life expectancy analysis program (LEAP) which is a diagnostic method for assessing the condition of the stator winding insulation in electric machines. LEAP provides information on the condition and expected life of the stator winding and enables machine maintenance plans to be drawn up.

When LEAP is used together with estimates of the time needed to repair or replace components, service can be performed during planned downtime rather than during a costly emergency.

Testing and analysis are performed on a single occasion and can be combined with normal L1 to L4 maintenance.

This method drastically reduces unplanned shutdowns caused by failures due to thermal, electrical, ambient or mechanical aging, which could have been foreseen.

LEAP is supported by an on-line tool called MACHsense-P which addresses the reliability of cage induction motors, where problems related to the bearings, rotors and other mechanical components account for over 65 percent of total failures. It detects monitors and diagnoses electromagnetic and mechanical problems in cage induction motors.

MACHsense-P is a walk around condition monitoring service provided by ABB which specifically focuses on electric motors. It provides an early warning system of impending or initiating defects, allowing more time and greater opportunity for efficient maintenance planning.

Together, LEAP and MACHsense-P bring together a series of tests that have traditionally been carried out independently.

Should any major repair work be required to a motor or generator, ABB has signed partner agreements with major repair centres located throughout the UK.

“The new focus means that users of ABB and third party motors and generators will get the support they need to maximise the uptime of their application,” says Wright. “This activity gives motor and generator users easier access to the services we offer. It also gives us a more structured set up that will ensure users have the serviceability levels and maintenance support they need.”

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.

For more information, please contact:

Arlene Hutchinson
ABB Limited
Tel: 01224 592 123
Fax: 01224 592 690
E-mail : Arlene.hutchinson@gb.abb.com
Web: www.abb.com