Through electrical signature analysis (ESA), GRT PowerLink performs careful electric asset health monitoring, detecting developing faults in the asset itself and in the coupled mechanism it drives. PowerLink can perform these operations from outside the asset, reading signals via any part of the electric input to the asset or via the electric output of a power source. Operational decision-makers can use these insights to make accurate predictions about when and how faults will occur, enabling them to take preventative steps.

But PowerLink infrastructure accumulates and provides its users with much more information on their assets beyond that of developing faults alone. Insights such as the total run time for a given motor, the total active and reactive power for each motor, and others are all visible via PowerLink’s capabilities.

Eight Ways PowerLink Supports Your Operational Health

Here we explore how PowerLink contributes to a more holistic view of asset performance, health, and maintenance requirements. We also highlight how PowerLink contributes to more reliable overall operations through these capabilities.

1. Total Run Time

Every motor has a specified service time — the timeframe within which it performs as designed. When operational leaders know an electric asset’s exact total run time, they can accurately plan its upgrades and replacements, among other proactive measures.

PowerLink helps operational leaders visualize total run time by tracking the total number of hours each electric asset has been in use. The software does this by monitoring and recording the electrical signatures of each motor, detecting when an asset is in use (and for how long) and when it’s at rest.

This information is valuable because it allows decision-makers to compare expected service times with actual usage. If an asset is being used more frequently or for more extended periods than expected, it may reach the end of its service life sooner than anticipated. Conversely, if an asset is used less than expected, it may have a longer service life. Either way, having this information helps operational leaders make proactive, data-driven decisions about their assets.

2. Number of Start-Stop Sequences Performed

Detecting the number of start-stop sequences provides another indicator for when maintenance or replacements may be required. For example, if a motor isn’t designed to be stopped and started often, doing so will reduce its useful lifespan — something operational leaders need to visualize to prevent disruptions.

PowerLink can detect the number of start-stop sequences for an electric asset by monitoring its electrical signature. This provides an easy way to prevent instances of equipment failure and ensure electric assets operate as efficiently as possible.

3. Starting Currents

Operational leaders are beginning to realize that starting current can indicate mechanical issues within a driven mechanism, mechanical coupling, or rotor of an induction motor. For example, high starting currents may suggest that a motor is overloaded, while low starting currents may mean the rotor is slipping. Using PowerLink to measure starting currents can help decision-makers identify these issues before they cause more significant problems.

4. Total Active and Reactive Energy Consumed

Visualizing total active and reactive energy consumed within an electric asset helps decision-makers understand each unit’s contribution to their electricity usage and can help them identify areas where the technology may need upgrades (e.g., to increase power efficiency). PowerLink measures and records an asset’s total active and reactive energy consumption, providing operational leaders with valuable insights into its energy usage over time.

5. Comparative Analysis of Operating versus Manufacturer-Provided Curves

Asset manufacturers provide performance curves that show how equipment is expected to operate under different loads. An asset operating outside these parameters can create operational inefficiencies and significantly shorten the asset’s real operating life. PowerLink constantly monitors any deviation between actual operating performance and the provided performance curves. This allows for proactive decision-making and preventative maintenance rather than costly inaction until an asset fails.

6. Scheduling Requirements for Greasing Bearings

Manufacturers recommend regular greasing of bearings, often with specific running periods in mind. These recommendations will not always reflect actual run times and other environmental contributors that may mean shorter periods between each greasing. The performance elements PowerLink detects can provide a more accurate greasing schedule, helping prevent unplanned downtime.

7. Timing Between Technological Process Steps

Motor current variations are indicative of various process steps taking place. For example, understanding the rapid changes in current during the priming process in a centrifugal pump can help decision-makers accurately schedule other preventive maintenance tasks.

Analyzing these variations and their timing can indicate problems in the overall process and help operational leaders prevent a major fault. PowerLink monitors the timing between technological process steps to help decision-makers keep operations running smoothly.

8. Power Quality Monitoring

With PowerLink, operational leaders can rely on data concerning the power quality of each asset, helping them visualize what proportion of energy is consumed within deteriorated PQ indices. This information can help prevent electrical fires, improve equipment lifespan and decrease maintenance requirements.

Conclusion: How PowerLink Contributes to More Reliable Overall Operations

Operational leaders face many challenges in keeping their assets running smoothly. However, by using PowerLink to monitor electrical signatures, they can gain valuable insights into the health and performance of their assets. This information can help prevent unplanned downtime, improve equipment lifespan, and decrease maintenance requirements. As a result, PowerLink contributes to more reliable overall operations.

PowerLink Supports Your Asset Stability and Longevity

Never be in the dark about electric asset performance, health, and longevity again. Contact us directly and learn how PowerLink can lead you to a more sustainable operational future today.