Fault diagnostics of electrical motor using magnetic flux sensor PhD

This PhD project will focus on developing, evaluating, and demonstrating a fault diagnosis solution of electrical motor using magnetic flux sensors to enhance reliability, maintainability and readiness. A comprehensive test-bed for in-depth studies will be used for experiments for demonstration and evaluation. Read moreRead less

Induction motor is inherently reliable and requires minimum maintenance. However, many companies are still faced with unexpected system failure and reduced induction motor lifetime. This gives rise to the need for maintenance strategy based on condition monitoring, which can be addressed by monitoring and analysing the real-time signals of the induction motor. Different faults of induction motors are generally classified as either electrical or mechanical faults. Also, different types of condition monitoring using vibration and electrical signals have been implemented. However, these methods are still immature enough for accurate diagnosis. Therefore, the fault diagnosis problem of electrical motor is still as open area for research. Magnetic flux sensor is a potential solution for detection and diagnosis of electrical faults because it is very sensitive to electromagnetic field.

The student will have the opportunity to work with experts in the prognostics and condition monitoring field, as well as being part of our strong and dynamic research centre at Cranfield University 

About the host University/Centre

Cranfield is an exclusively postgraduate university that is a global leader for transformational research and education in technology and management. Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF) has recognised 81% of Cranfield’s research as world leading or internationally excellent in its quality. Every year Cranfield graduates the highest number of postgraduates in engineering and technology in the UK (Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency Ltd). Cranfield Manufacturing is one of eight major themes at Cranfield University. The manufacturing capability is world leading and combines a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates design, technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of manufacturing research.

The Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) Centre is a major collaborative venture at Cranfield, started in 2008, with funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA); a consortium of core industrial partners, (Boeing, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Meggitt, Thales, MOD and Alstom); and from EPSRC. The investment, over the first 5 years of operation, was approaching £10M. We are now in our eighth year of operation and the Centre has grown into other sectors (rail, energy, health and agriculture), and is financially self-sustaining; many of the partners (and others) are funding Applied Research projects and there is a growing revenue from EPSRC, TSB and EU funded work.