The main reason for motor or generator failure is component aging during normal operation. It is very important to avoid failure because all unplanned stoppages are costly, and component failure may result in damage to vital parts such as the stator or rotor.
ABB’s Life Cycle Management Plan for motors and generators is based on extensive experience and covers the product’s entire life cycle.
ABB offers standardized preventive maintenance products tailored for the different life cycle phases of motors and generators. These deliver maximized availability and reliability based on our unique know-how as the original manufacturer.
Recommended maintenance program
The recommended maintenance program for ABB motors and generators consists of four levels (L1 - L4) that are spaced at intervals over the product’s lifetime. The age of the motor or generator and ambient conditions in which it operates determine when each maintenance process should be undertaken. Tough conditions – such as high ambient temperatures, humidity, dirt, or heavy loads – can significantly shorten component lifetimes and hence reduce maintenance and component replacement intervals.
Site surveys
A site survey should be conducted if there is insufficient information on the status of the equipment at a site. The site survey will determine repair, maintenance and spare part needs. In many cases site surveys are used to gather information for major overhauls, assess when action should be taken to avoid a failure, or provide the basis for a long-term product specific life cycle plan.