The Growing Need for Advanced PD Detection in EV & Electric Aircraft Motors
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The rotating machine industry is undergoing rapid advancements, particularly in electric motors and generators used across multiple sectors, including energy, manufacturing, transportation, and aviation. These advancements have brought new challenges in Partial Discharge (PD) detection, prompting manufacturers to adopt more sophisticated diagnostic tools.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of this transformation, with the industry shifting towards higher voltage systems, primarily 800V and above. This transition offers significant advantages such as faster charging, improved efficiency, reduced energy losses, and lighter infrastructure. However, the rise in voltage, combined with complex motor geometries and material constraints, has intensified insulation stress—leading to an increase in partial discharge occurrences, which can compromise motor reliability and lifespan.
In aircraft motors, high altitude and low atmospheric pressure during operation exacerbate PD issues. These developments highlight the growing need for advanced PD detection solutions that ensure long-term reliability and efficiency.
PD measurement units are commonly used to detect partial discharge; however, they often fail to pinpoint the exact source, making targeted improvements challenging for manufacturers. Traditional methods, such as blackout tests, have significant limitations in both accuracy and practicality.
To overcome these challenges, many manufacturers are turning to Solar Blind Ultraviolet (SBUV) camera technology, which offers a safer, more precise, and real-time approach to detecting PD in motors, generators, and high-voltage components.
To overcome these challenges, many manufacturers are turning to Solar Blind Ultraviolet (SBUV) camera technology, which offers a safer, more precise, and real-time approach to detecting PD in motors, generators, and high-voltage components.
The key advantage of UV cameras is their ability to accurately locate PD sources, allowing for precise fault localization and targeted repairs. This improves safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for blackout tests while enabling inspections to be conducted seamlessly, even under normal lighting conditions.
In industries dependent on EV and aviation motors, where performance and safety are paramount, precise PD detection and localization are indispensable.
OFIL Systems’ camera uses Solar Blind Ultraviolet (SBUV) technology to detect external PD in high-voltage rotating machines.
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