The Effects of Temperature Rise on the Overall Lifespan of Three Phase Induction Motors

The operation of a three phase induction motor is accompanied by generation of heat and corresponding temperature rise. This temperature rise increases the frequency of tripping of motor. In extreme cases, there is an increase in cost of operation and maintenance since they are to be replaced or maintained due to burnout. Therefore, this paper explores deeply the effects of temperature on three phase induction motors. The effects of temperature rise are studied theoretically, and hence, an induction motor model was developed in MATLAB/Simulink to mimic the actual nature of the induction motor. In order to achieve the objective of this paper, a thermal model of the induction motor was also developed to represent the thermal behaviours of the induction motor. Simulations of the overall setup were performed and the simulation results were used in determining the effects of temperature rise on the induction motor’s performance and service life. Deductions finally made from the predictions indicate that temperature rise has effect on induction motor operation, performance and service life.

Keywords:

Induction motor , Modelling , Service life , Simulation , Thermal model