Design engineering

Automated static motor analysers 

The new Baker ADX range of fully automated static motor analysers, from Megger, offers a comprehensive set of tests for assessing the health of electric motors, for monitoring and analysing trends in motor condition, and for locating faults. 

The portable ADX analysers provide, depending on the model, high voltage tests for surge, turn-to-turn partial discharge, insulation resistance, polarisation index, DC Hipot and step voltage tests, as well as low voltage tests for winding resistance, inductance and capacitance.  A single set of plug-in high-voltage Kelvin test leads means there is no need to change leads between tests.

All ADX analysers offer a choice of manual, automatic or sequenced testing. They also support configurable route-based site testing and incorporate a full range of asset management tools. Test results are displayed on an integrated 10.4-inch daylight viewable touch screen and are stored locally within the instrument. In addition, when an internet connection is available, the results are automatically synchronised with the cloud-based PowerDB Dashboard application which provides additional facilities for analysis, reporting and archiving.

“Carrying out comprehensive static tests on motors has traditionally involved using multiple instruments,” said Mike Herring, Regional sales Manager of Megger, “which has made it inconvenient and costly. Because of this, tests have rarely been carried out routinely, which means that opportunities to spot and remedy progressive faults on critical motors have been missed. By providing a full range of tests in one fully automatic instrument, the ADX solves this problem, while also offering an invaluable resource for acceptance testing and fault finding.

Megger Baker ADX static motor analysers are available in versions that support high voltage testing up to 4, 6, 12 or 15kV. All can be supplied in a basic configuration that offers DC insulation resistance, polarisation index, DC Hipot and surge tests only, or in configurations with additional options that include low voltage resistance, inductance and capacitance test, and facilities for partial discharge testing during the surge test.  A 15 kV unit with integral bar-to-bar surge test capability for DC armatures is also available.

With the addition of the optional power pack interface, all ADX models can be used with the Baker PPX power packs, which increase the test voltage capability for both the DC and surge tests up to 30 or 40kV, depending on the PPX model. This combination allows users to test motors ranging from low voltage machines of a few hundred watts up to 13.8kV machines in the megawatt range. In addition, new coil testing software (standard on all models) allows fast and efficient impulse testing of HV coils, comparing each coil to a reference, and providing full traceability of the coil number via a detailed test report.

The instruments are complemented by accessories that includes a range of test leads, transport cases and a backpack to carry the test leads and accessories.