Improving condition monitoring & fault diagnosis strategy for HV motors in coal fired power stations

High voltage induction motors at Gladstone Power Station are roughly 30 years old and are a significant asset and critical component to the electricity generation process. Due to the criticality of the high voltage motors in the electricity process, age and environmental conditions the motors are exposed to, how can all the high voltage motors at Gladstone Power Station be maintained and monitored regularly and more effectively particularly between scheduled overhauls is an important issue. This paper outlines the process taken to assess the current condition of the high voltage motors and evaluate the maintenance strategy utilized at Gladstone Power Station. Thermography and thermal imaging was used to assess the current condition of the motors and assess the maintenance strategy utilized. From these result, thermography was recommended to be conducted on a regular basis in coordination with other condition monitoring techniques to monitor and track the condition of the high voltage motors during on-line conditions and in between the four yearly unit overhauls. This will increase proactive and preventative maintenance techniques and ensure Gladstone Power Station are aware of the condition of all of the high voltage motors to further maximize and optimize the stations output and assets.