CONCEPT OF BUILT-IN RELIABILITY IN THE DESIGN OF LARGE INDUCTION MOTORS

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the reliability study of the equipment has been given vital importance alongwith the other studies. In this paper, an attempt is made to construct the reliability model of a large induction motor in order to predict the reliability, with the knowledge of realistic failure data. Since the author is not aware of any failure data, the prediction is based on some realistic failure data. However, in this paper the basic concepts are laid down, to ensure reliability goal of each component in the design stage. It is also emphasised here, the effect of supply conditions, ambient and malfunctioning of accessories in induction motor on its reliability goal. The method of attack is based on Markov model, by judiciously choosing ‘Available’ states and ‘Failed’ states. This method affords better realisation of failure modes and possible decisions to improve the same. The theory of reliability is presented in short, in order to make the ideas presented in this paper, more clear. A numerical example is presented at the end, to elucidate the theory presented here.