3236 -- Motor Current Signature Analysis---A Potential Diagnostic for Air Conditioners PDF

Recent advancements in modem electronics have made it possible to collect the various "transient noise" signals that are present on electric power lines of motordriven equipment while using a simple non-intrusive, clamp-on inductive pickup. Electronic filters are used to analyze the noise signal with an on-the-spot, real-time analysis. An exploratory study, conducted at a national laborato~ examined the potential for using the motor current signature on heat pumps and air conditioners as a diagnostic tool Preliminary results show that there is some correlation between the motor current signature and the performance of a heat pump. However, tests and associated analysis were limited, and additional research is needed to determine the full potential of motor current signature analysis (MCSA).