Stator winding fault detection in induction motor drives using signal injection

A stator winding turn fault diagnosis strategy in induction motor (IM) drives is proposed in the present work. This strategy is based on the effects of the inductance variations coming from fault, over zero-sequence voltage. This voltage is measured when a predefined inverter-switching pattern is applied, allowing then decoupling the strategy from the motor fundamental excitation. For the evaluation of the feasibility of this proposal, a multiple-coupled circuit model of the IM is used. Experimental results are included to show the ability of the proposed strategy for detecting incipient faults, including a low number of short-circuited turns.