Electrically Induced Bearing Damage and Shaft Currents

Electrically Induced
Bearing Damage (EIBD)
aka Shaft Currents
aka Electrical Discharge
Machining (EDM)
Identification, Cause, Effect,
Prevention, and Solutions
This article contains information about, and offers explanations for, the electrical phenomenon that causes
motor bearing defects due to micro-arcing (also referred to as shaft currents). Shaft currents leads to
Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) and has been found on 600V and 460V VFD applications. EIBD has
been confirmed using vibration analysis, metallurgical testing and electrical engineering studies. EIBD is not
present everywhere and on all motors; but the potential exists, and it has been found at numerous locations
from 1992 to last night on a motor bearing replacement project.
Written by: Garrett Sandwell, MET, CVA (ASNT 3)
CEO
Original article: 2002 with revisions up to April 4, 2019
© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 1

Introduction to VIBES CorpTM

Formerly: Industrial Balancing Ltd. (Est. 1967 Calgary, AB) & Fan Doctor Canada Inc. (Est. 1982 Calgary, AB).

Why work with us? Serving Canadians for over 50 Years.

VIBES Corp's reputation was built and established on thousands of promises fulfilled over 50 years in business across Canada.
Superior quality service, sales and training courses provided on the intelligent specialist level has been the standard and always will be
since our vibration and balancing business was formed in Calgary, AB, in 1982. (Formerly Industrial Balancing Ltd. Est. 1967) In the final
real-time analysis VIBES Corp will deliver more value and peace of mind.
What do we do?
Factory trained and specialists on HVAC, fans, blowers, cooling towers, compressors, pumps, motors, industrial rotors. FlaktWoods
Varofoils and Aerofoils, Sheldons Axico, Aerovent, Novenco, New York Blower, Chicago Blower, Canadian/Buffalo Blower, CML
Northern Blower, Joy Axivane, Twin City, Alphair, Allied Blower, Markhot Varivane, Loren Cook, BAC, Evapco, Marley, Hoffman,
Spencer, Baldor, Reliance, Trane, Carrier, Frick, Eng.Air, Haakon, WEG, Leeson, GEC, GE, Emerson, Westinghouse, Toshiba,
Siemens, Delhi, Penn, Acme, Armstrong, Westcan Pumps, Bell & Gossett, Misc. Pumps and most types of rotating, diesel engines &
reciprocating machinery.
What do we sell, supply, install & service?

 WEG motors
 CoolBlueTM - Inductive Absorbers & Chokes = VFD any motor shaft current bearing damage protection
 EASY LASER - Shaft Alignment Systems
 METALON synthetic grease
 CTM - Cooling Tower Maintenance Parts & Services for all makes & types
 Vibration isolation & control, measurement, recording, alarm & shutdown. We represent: BALMAC, LO-REZ, MEGGITT,
MURPHY, SPECTRUM-INSTRUMENTS, WILCOXON, Misc.
 Factory replacement fans, blowers, pumps & motors, customized rotors - new or re-manufacture
 SPANCO Gantry Cranes, KITO Chain Hoists and Trolleys
 Drive systems and parts: bearings, sheaves, couplings, belts, misc.
 Please visit www.vibescorp.ca to view more information and purchase products
The machinery under our professional health care programs = VIBES-GUARD PdM ProgramsTM are treated as if our own. We use
proven technologies and methodologies along with our multi-technical and electro-mechanical (VIV, ASD, VPM, CPM, VFD, EIBD,
EDM, Shaft Currents, etc.) training, skills, and experiences for total overall analysis and evaluations. When the total analyzed facts
about a machine, motor or engine are known we formulate a true condition report and recommend the best possible solutions. We work
with clients to organize necessary actions in order of urgency or budgets.
Who have we worked with?

VIBES Corp service capabilities have been used and accepted by high-ranking officials in:
 other service companies  cold storage  commercial towers  saw mills
 manufacturing and  power plants and dams  agricultural  pulp and paper
processing  sewage and water treatment  mining  research and development
 engineering firms plants  ski hills  machining / fabrication
 universities  government infrastructure facilities  marine-terminals &  chemical plants
 colleges  oil and gas ships  restaurants
 hospitals  biogas energy systems  asphalt and cement  skytrain tunnels
 transportation and construction
We take due diligence to the highest level on all
projects regardless of size or budget.

Do we offer training?
VIBES Corp represents and offers training courses in technologies and quality products that we use, are industry-trusted and relate to
improved machinery, engine, electric motors health and performance, energy savings and preventative maintenance. Examples:
Vibration Monitoring & Trending
 Laser Shaft Alignment
 Fan & Motor Maintenance Training
 Update International (Vibration Analyst Certification ASNT Level 1, 2 & 3) On Site & On line Courses
 Bearing Maintenance & Precision Installation
 VIBES-GUARD PdM PROGRAMTM
 Dynamic Balancing Agricultural Machinery ON-SITE
Learn more
You can download all catalogues and educational articles from our home page at www.vibescorp.ca. Here are four recent
articles:
 Learn About Vibration, Volume 1 & 2: Basics & Advanced Vibration Analysis
 Electrically Induced Bearing Damage, aka Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), Shaft Currents
 Failure Prevention of Variable Pitch in Motion Axial Fans
The photos below show typical projects that we have resolved. Fig 1. The failure was due to moisture contamination. Fig 2 The
stainless steel guard solved the original problem with no issues for the last 13 years.
Fig 3 A new fan was installed due to a complete failure of the original. Fig. 4 Shows a 200HP motor and fan repair/replacement.

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Currents

Preface
The purpose of this report is to provide the reader with an introductory knowledge of the phenomenon of
Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (coined “EIBD” from 1992) also known as Shaft Currents, and/or Electrical
Discharge Machining, which situations it occurs, how to identify it, and how to remedy the problem. VIBES Corp
have repaired, replaced, and analyzed various bearings used in numerous VFD applications and in motors from
5 HP to 350 HP. The problem started showing up in about 1992 (or earlier) and is still present in 2019. This
major problem pertained to rapid defects in motor bearings that suddenly developed very loud noise and erratic
vibration acceleration spectrum data necessitating immediate solutions and further studies.
Solutions and studies to answer these questions:
1) Why this happened so quickly on any VFD applications.

2) How to prevent the problem from reoccurring once new bearings are replaced.
3) How to prevent the problem on new VFD installations.
This report is meant to provide the reader with accurate facts and knowledge on EIBD so that you can solve
problems on your own or have VIBES Corp assist.
Summary
EIBD (Electrically Induced Bearing Damage) is the result of an induced voltage in the rotor and shaft of a
motor. The IGBT’s (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) used in some PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and VF
(Variable Frequency) drives act as high frequency switches. Their switching can cause bearing discharge current
which, when coupled with the fast rise times of the IGBT inverter output, causes an induced voltage in a
motor’s rotor. Bearing grease has a certain dielectric strength to it, but when the voltage induced in the rotor
capacitive couples to the shaft, it may exceed this strength and then current flows from the shaft through the
lubricated bearing into the motor frame. The current causes arcing through the lubricant, which results in
pitting on the bearings and fluting on the bearing races, leading to premature failure of the complete bearings.
All it takes is a shaft voltage of 6V to cause arcing through a bearing lubricant, and in some (lab experiments)
cases with VFD’s, voltage peaks have been seen to reach 70 to 370V on the shaft, clearly above any acceptable
level. A conductive coupling between the driven and drive shaft can result in damage to the driven equipment’s
bearings as well. Recommendations for this problem in most economical order are, firstly, to use electro
conductive grease in sealed bearings, which acts as a partial insulator and will help re-direct a percentage of the
induced current from conducting through the bearing. Electro conductive grease inside sealed ball bearings has
proven to avoid EIBD problems for over 5 years and on motors ranging from 10 HP to 125 HP. After 5 years or

more and/or depending on vibration and noise analysis the process of having to replace the motor bearings with
electro conductive grease would be repeated.
Installing a shaft grounding system can also be considered. The rotor grounding seals or brushes come in two
arrangements. The first is external and the other is internal. The rotor grounding seals require machining
(internal) or drill and tapping (external) for the assembly to accurately fit onto the shaft and are typically
mounted on the drive end bell of a motor. In some cases both ends of the motor shaft are grounded using the
seals. The rotor grounding seals and brushes have carbon fibres that contact the shaft and create a path to take
the micro electrical current back to the stator – avoiding the path through the ball bearings.
In two of the most unusual cases of serious EIBD ever discovered by this writer, the problem required an
electrical engineering study that recommended the installation of Inversine Advanced Universal Sinewave Filter
(AUSF). See sections of one study completed by Tony Hoevenaars, P. Eng. Mirus International
[mirusinternational.com], on pages 19 – 24.
Introduction
Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) is a widespread problem that has been overlooked and/or avoided
since 1992. The reason the word “avoided” has been used is due to the unknown issue regarding whether or not
EIBD was a motor or VFD manufacturer warranty problem. In the end the client usually accepts the problem
and costs to resolve EIBD. Therefore, another reason for writing this article is to make the end users aware of
the issue so they can take the necessary steps or ask questions related to avoiding EIBD at the design or
installation stage of a VFD retrofit or newer projects. Over the last few years some VFD manufacturers are
installing protective parts to avoid EIBD but as an optional cost. See information “CoolBlueTM Inductive
Absorbers” at vibescorp.ca/coolblue.
EIBD has been found on 600 and 460 V and possibly higher service voltages.
Regardless of the make or model of the motor or variable frequency drive equipment studies have proven that
EIBD can occur within one week, six months or longer from the day of repairs or new start up. The extent of
motor bearing electrical damage on many motors and at numerous locations resulted in rapidly increasing noise
levels and erratic high frequency acceleration vibration spectrum data. In all studies done to date the bearing
defects are similar as follows: bearing balls are frosted or dull grey in appearance; raceways have deep,
irregular wear all around (fluting); and grease may be discoloured and have a burned odour.
Metallurgical studies called SEM (scanning electron microscope) have also been completed on several bearings
that were found with EIBD defects. See SEM photos attached on pages 13 and 14.

Variable Frequency Drives – VFD/AFD/VSD

To understand Electrically Induced Bearing Damage, a good understanding of VFD’s (Variable Frequency Drives)
must first be attained. When VFD’s started to become popular (since the late 80’s) one of the major issues was
shaft current. For quite a while the problem was treated in the usual manner: insulating the motor ODE
(Opposite Drive End) bearing, or adding a grounding brush on the motor drive end (DE) Driven end. The
problem was that each of these proven solutions yielded mixed results. Many people disagreed on which
solution was the best and many reported less-than-satisfactory results with either method. Higher switching
frequencies of around 20 kHz caused more bearing problems than slower drive settings of around 5 kHz but
there is no clear line above which problems are expected. The VFD works by rectifying AC (Alternating Current)
to DC (Direct Current), and chopping the DC into positive and negative pulses to simulate an AC sine wave.
Varying the DC pulse width simulates a variable AC sine wave and changes the frequency, thereby changing the
motor speed. One problem with that is the common voltage (the voltage common to both input terminals of a
device). When a 3-phase motor operates from a true sine wave, the common mode voltage is always zero, but
with the VFD, the balance no longer exists.
Figure 1: 3 phases 120 degrees apart from each other
Draw a vertical line (that’s a point in time) at any point on the graph. Sum the voltages (above the horizontal
axis is positive, below is negative), and the common mode voltage is always zero.
DC is either positive or negative, so at any point in time the three phases are either plus, plus, minus or plus,
minus, minus. Common mode voltage is essentially line voltage, which, if not zero, as in the three-phase motor
case, induces a current on the motor shaft. With the introduction of VFD’s, shaft currents became a significant
problem for motors, even ones much smaller than had previously experienced problems.

The Cause of EIBD

The earliest known in-depth study dealing with EIBD (Electrically Induced Bearing Damage) was completed in
1994 by Hugh Boyanton. His study took six years to complete and involved testing and evaluating data from
hundreds of DC and AC motors running on VFD’s. The root cause of EIBD was found to be shaft-to-frame
voltage or, simply, shaft voltage. Low shaft voltage between 3 to 5 volts is considered normal and, according to
motor manufacturers, will not cause a problem with bearings. Using a battery powered digital oscilloscope the
shaft to frame voltage on a working motor experiencing EIBD can present ranges from 8 to 19 volts. In some
lab tests, voltage spikes can even be in the order of 70 to 370 volts, much higher than what is considered a
normal voltage. These high frequency voltage pulses result in capacitive coupled currents which can flow
through paths within the motor that are normally considered to be electrical insulators. In systems with a
conductive shaft coupling, currents can also flow from the motor through the driven equipment, potentially
putting the driven-equipment bearings at risk as well. Over time this current flow through the bearings and the
frame causes arcing and pitting in the raceways of the ball bearing, rapid increase in noise and erratic
vibrations, higher temperatures, and ultimately, premature failure can occur. Pictures of defective bearing races
and roller-balls can be seen on the photo below (Figure 2) and on pages 11 – 14, 46, 52 and 53. The current
flow can also result in fluting, which is when material properties in the bearing races are altered through re-
hardening after arcing, which is almost as if it has been welded. This creates brittle areas in load zones of the
race, which results in fracturing, causing a fluted pattern as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Fluting pattern in an outer bearing race. Vibration levels for the bearing of a motor that is
experiencing these defects due to EIBD can be seen on pages 15 – 18.

Bearing Current Paths

The most common bearing current paths in an inverter-driven motor system are shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Common bearing current paths in an inverter-driven motor system
The red current path is capacitive current coupled to the rotor, with a return path through the motor bearings,
ground connection, and finally to the drive ground. This path is most important in applications where the motor
shaft is not electrically connected to a load or where there are no driven-load bearings. The green path in Figure
3 represents current that is capacitively coupled from the stator winding to the rotor with a return path to the
drive ground through the driven load. A conductive coupling is required, and the driven load must have its own
bearings to support the shaft. The green current flow has the potential to create damage in the load bearing or
possibly the coupling itself. The gold current path in Figure 3 represents current flow between the stator winding
and the frame. This current flows through the stator winding insulation, which is conductive at high frequencies.
With a non-ideal motor to drive high-frequency ground connection, this current flows back to the drive ground
through the motor frame, the motor bearing, the motor shaft, the conductive coupling, the load bearing, and
the load ground. Current through this path has the potential to damage the motor and load bearings, as well as
the motor-to-load coupling. This current only exists if the motor-to-load coupling is electrically conductive.

Conclusions
1. VFD’s present in motor applications do cause an induced current on the motor shaft as well as the rotor.
Normally in 3-phase motors the sine wave is true and the common mode voltage is zero; but with a VFD, that
balance is lost, and the common mode voltage, which is essentially a line voltage, needs to dissipate, so it does
this through the motor frame, rotor or the shaft, inducing a current.
2. Motor bearings are not the only things subject to premature failure when experiencing EIBD due to a VFD. If
a flexible coupling which connects the motor drive-end shaft to the driven shaft is conductive, a capacitively
coupled current may travel down the shaft, damaging the bearings on the driven component and possibly even
the coupling itself.
3. Arcing, pitting and fluting are what cause the damage to the bearing due to the current flow through it. The
arcing heats up the bearing race or roller-ball material and results in either pitting (which is when the bearings
chemical properties change and it condenses, making the roller-balls no longer flush with the inside and outside
races), or fluting (which is when the bearing material re-hardens after arcing but now has brittle areas in load
zones of the race, which results in fracturing and the fluting pattern).
Recommendations
The first (and least costly) solution to combat EIBD is to replace the defective motor ball bearings with new
sealed ball bearings that have been cleaned out and repacked with electro conductive grease. The electro
conductive grease acts as an insulator and helps prevent or reduce micro arcing through the bearing.
In motors that have a roller bearing in the drive end repack the opposite end (sealed) ball bearing with electro
conductive grease. Replacement of the defective motor bearings would require a few hours work depending on
motor arrangement in the system. First remove the motor end bells and clean thoroughly. Check the shaft
journals for any defects and clean up. Remove seals from the new ball bearing one at a time to clean out the
factory grease, then pack the bearing with electro conductive grease about 50% full and install the seals tight.
Heat the new motor ball bearings to exactly 110°C then install onto shaft journals. The standard for all new
motor bearings inner race is a shrink fit to the shaft. Re-assemble the motor and rotate by hand. If free then
run the motor under no load for a few minutes.
This method has been proven to prolong the lifespan of the new bearings to 5 years or longer on motors
ranging from 10 HP to 125 HP. Vibration and noise analysis can be trusted to confirm EIBD has been controlled
for the years after start up. See EIBD vibration spectrum data on pages 15 – 18.
The second (more costly than the first) solution is to install motor shaft grounding rings or brushes. The motor
shaft is grounded with a system of carbon brushes that create a low impedance path to ground that the current
will follow – instead of going through the bearings. Two types of motor shaft grounding rings are available:

1. External rings or brush assemblies are installed around the shaft and the bracket is fastened to the
motor end bell by drilling and tapping holes for mounting bolts. A ground wire should be connected
between the seal ring and the stator for best results. The external ring will wear and be subjected to dirt
or moisture that will require some maintenance and future replacement.
2. Internal rings are installed at the machine shop. The drive end bell is machined out and a seal ring is
pressed in. The internal ring is a better technology, hence more costly than the external ring. It requires
more downtime and exact detailed measurements but requires no further maintenance.
The third (and most costly) solution is to install a sine wave filter system. To date this solution has been used
on one project where the EIBD problem was uncontrolled using all other solutions mentioned previously.
The technology using this system is called Inversine Advanced Universal Sine wave Filter. Mr. Tony Hoevenaars,
P. Eng. of Mirus International [mirusinternational.com], has kindly offered a few pages of his product
technology for this EIBD article (find this information on pages 19 – 24).
The fourth solution, which has been tried with mixed results, is ceramic sleeves to isolate bearings from the
shaft or ceramic bearings. Ceramic alternatives are expensive and may have a special application, but according
to electrical engineers’ feedback from Europe, the rotor must still be grounded on either end. This is due to the
fact that, on a large horsepower motor rotor, it could develop much higher voltage if the shaft is not grounded –
such that arcing between the rotor and the stator could occur and fail the motor completely.
A fifth solution to avoiding shaft currents / EIBD altogether is by converting to Magnetic Adjustable Speed
Drives. (Cost to retrofit or covert VFD to ASD may be an issue on smaller HP motors.) This technology has been
used at several major facilities in Vancouver, Canada for over 10 years. Our experience and site visits where
Fluxdrive ASD are used shows the product and technology are well built and engineered to last. A very popular
Vancouver attraction had no other alternatives but Fluxdrive ASD for controlling EIBD/Shaft currents due to the
water treatment salt contamination in the spaces and moisture environment where VFD and other solutions
would never survive. Fluxdrives are garden or pressure hose washable. Other large ASD or magnetic drive
alternatives (couplings) are used on heavy machinery as a soft start or torque control device. Also Google
"MagnaDrive". For more detailed information about variable speed magnetic drives see pages 33 – 36.
Electrical Discharge Measurement Tool: SKF TKED 1 Meter, Can help you discover if your motor has a problem
before costly failures occur. It’s called EDD (Electrical Discharge Detector) Pen (Model # TKED 1). This is a tool
for detecting electrical discharges (or pulses) and erosion in bearings of electrical motors. It’s easy to use and
cost-effective. Learn more about this tool on pages 72 – 81, or contact SKF.
See page 22 for various other solutions.
The sixth solution = Newest (used for over 3 years by this writer on many VFD in Vancouver, Canada) at
several facilities has proven smart and very effective where EIBD would have otherwise developed within one
year or less. CoolBlueTM products have been installed inside VFD cabinets from 5 HP to 350 HP with excellent
results. CoolBlueTM Inductive Absorbers are installed around the three phase wires inside the VFD compartment
or a CSA enclosure nearby. The CoolBlueTM technology reduces (harmful) electrical discharge levels (pulses)

that travel through the wires to the motor so they don’t reach the motors. Rogowski Coil tests are used before
and after installation to confirm electrical discharge levels have been reduced below harmful levels. See more
information about CoolBlueTM on pages 25 – 32. Also you can review a major CoolBlueTM case study at a Geo
Thermal Pump Station located on our home page.
Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) on a Bearing Race
Figure 4: The bearing race shown in this photo was found in the advanced stage of fluting. Vibration spectrum
data for this bearing can be reviewed on pages 15 – 18. See scanning electron microscope (SEM) images for the
above bearing race on pages 13 and 14.
EIBD / Shaft Current bearing defects have been found at numerous locations on 600Volt (Canada) and 460Volt
(USA) VFD motor applications.

Figure 5: These two photos of the same bearing outer raceway show advanced shaft current / electrically
induced bearing damage just prior to failure. Taken September 2011.


This SEM image is from page 11 bearing race
Figure 6: High magnification SEM view of particles flattened onto drive end outer raceway running surface
showing variety of particle sizes. Material has clearly been molten at the time of deposit. Magnification 4,500X.


This SEM image is from page 11 bearing race
Figure 7: SEM image of the spalling observed on the inside surface of the outer raceway. Magnification 37.5X.

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Current Issue @ 39 Hz (VFD)

Motor ODE Sensor Location 1. Acceleration g rms High Frequency Range.
Figure 8: Electrically Induced Bearing Damage @ 39 Hz. The vibration spectrum data shown above was
recorded from the bearing (photo) on page 11.


Motor DE Sensor Location 2. Acceleration g rms High Frequency Range.


Motor ODE Sensor Location 1. Acceleration g rms High Frequency Range.


Motor DE Sensor Location 2. Acceleration g rms High Frequency Range.

Resolving Inverter Driven Motor Issues (Ref: Mirus International Study)
Figure 12: PWM Adjustable Speed Drive Inverters
Adjustable Speed Drives utilize Pulsewidth Modulated (PWM) Inverters equipped with:
 High speed switching insulated gate bipolar transistors
 2 to 8 kHz switching frequencies typical
• Up to 20 kHz in some small sizes
 Voltage rise (dV/dT) rates of up to 6000 V/μs
Reference: ‘An Evaluation of Mitigation Techniques for Bearing Currents, EMI and Overvoltages in ASD
Applications, Sept/Oct. 1998’

Figure 13: Typical PWM Output Voltage: 600V at 2 kHz
 Voltage rise (dV/dT) = 4400 V/μs

 Peak voltage = 853V

Figure 14: Common-mode Path
 PWM operation produces common-mode voltages

 Common-mode currents flow through parasitic capacitance of cables, motor bearings, etc.
Reference: ‘EMI Emissions of Modern PWM AC Drives’, IAS Magazine, Nov./Dec. 1999

Figure 15: Motor Bearing Currents
Capacitive coupling results in multiple paths for common-mode current

 Stator-to-rotor: Coupled through air gap
 Rotor-to-shaft: Coupled through air gap
 Stator Winding-to-gnd: Coupled through stator winding insulation
 Stator Winding-to-Frame/Shaft: Coupled through stator winding insulation
Methods for Reducing Bearing Currents

 Improve high frequency grounding connection from motor to drive and from motor to driven equipment
 special inverter cables
 Install one insulated bearing on non-drive end of motor
 Install two insulated bearings on motor
 Install a shaft grounding brush across one motor bearing
 Install a Faraday shielded motor
 Install an insulated coupling between motor and driven equipment, or
 Reduce the common mode voltages
Reference: ‘Bearing Current Problems: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions’, EC&M Sept. 2005

Figure 16: INVERSINE Advanced Universal Sinewave Filter (AUSF)
 Low pass filter with cutoff freq. below switching freq.

 Filters out high frequency currents while allowing lower frequency fundamental currents to pass
 < 3% VTHD
 No damping resistors required
 Cooler operation & much higher efficiency than competitor’s filters
 Prevents
 Transient overvoltages at motor
 Additional motor losses
 Excessive motor noise

Figure 17: INVERSINE AUSF Performance (Voltage)
Figure 18: INVERSINE AUSF Performance (Current)




CoolBlueTM Technology Installed at four sites
Figure 1 = 350 HP VFD - Rotary Screw Compressor Figure 2 = 125 HPVFD - Supply
Fan
Figure 3 = 10 HP VFD/Junction Box - AHU Figure 4 = 10 HP VFD / Junction

Box (Typical Rogowski Coil -
Electrical Discharge Testing) -
AHU













INPRO-SEAL MGS SEAL INSTALLED ON A MOTOR DRIVE END

INPRO-SEAL MGS SEAL INSTALLED ON A MOTOR DRIVE END

AEGIS SGR SEAL INSTALLED ON A MOTOR DRIVE END











From www.usmotors.com/Service/faq18.htm

THE PHOTOS ATTACHED ARE AN ACTUAL APPLICATION EXAMPLE OF INSULATING A MOTOR BEARING.
THE INSULATED BEARING AND SHAFT JOURNAL IS ON THE OPPOSITE DRIVE END OF THE MOTOR. NOTE - ON
THE SAME MOTOR A GROUNDING SEAL (Inpro-Seal MGS - Photo) WAS ALSO SPECIFIED ON THE DRIVE END.
REFERENCE - Frequently asked questions & answers: www.usmotors.com/default_service.htm



























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Written by: Garrett Sandwell, MET, CVA (ASNT 3)

Original article: 2002 with revisions up to April 4, 2019

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 1

Introduction to VIBES CorpTM

Why work with us? Serving Canadians for over 50 Years.

What do we sell, supply, install & service?

Who have we worked with?

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 2

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 3

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Currents

Solutions and studies to answer these questions:

1) Why this happened so quickly on any VFD applications.

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 4

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 5

Variable Frequency Drives – VFD/AFD/VSD

Figure 1: 3 phases 120 degrees apart from each other

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 6

The Cause of EIBD

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 7

Bearing Current Paths

Figure 3: Common bearing current paths in an inverter-driven motor system

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 8

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 9

See page 22 for various other solutions.

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 10

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) on a Bearing Race

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 11

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) on a Bearing Race

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 12

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) on a Bearing Race

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 13

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage (EIBD) on a Bearing Race

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 14

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Current Issue @ 39 Hz (VFD)

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 15

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Current Issue @ 39 Hz (VFD)

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 16

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Current Issue @ 60 Hz (VFD)

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 17

Electrically Induced Bearing Damage & Shaft Current Issue @ 60 Hz (VFD)

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 18

Resolving Inverter Driven Motor Issues (Ref: Mirus International Study)

Figure 12: PWM Adjustable Speed Drive Inverters

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 19

Resolving Inverter Driven Motor Issues (Ref: Mirus International Study)

Figure 13: Typical PWM Output Voltage: 600V at 2 kHz

 Voltage rise (dV/dT) = 4400 V/μs

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 20

Resolving Inverter Driven Motor Issues (Ref: Mirus International Study)

Figure 14: Common-mode Path

 PWM operation produces common-mode voltages

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 21

Resolving Inverter Driven Motor Issues (Ref: Mirus International Study)

Figure 15: Motor Bearing Currents

Capacitive coupling results in multiple paths for common-mode current

Methods for Reducing Bearing Currents

© 2017 VIBES Corp Page 22

Resolving Inverter Driven Motor Issues (Ref: Mirus International Study)

Figure 16: INVERSINE Advanced Universal Sinewave Filter (AUSF)