Induction Motor Rotor Cage Faults as Ignition Sources of Explosive Atmosphere - Research on Heating

Original scientific paper This paper discusses the risks of ignition sources of electric motors in areas at risk of explosive atmospheres. The basis for this work is research on the occurrence of the source of ignition resulting from an induction motor rotor cage fault. The research was targeted at the heating effects on the rotor cage of the "Ex e" type of protection motor, as a result of different levels of rotor damage. The main presumption that specific rotor cage faults could become effective sources of ignition was empirically verified. Results of this research provide a deeper insight into the possibilities and risks of the occurrence of ignition sources in explosive atmospheres caused by hot spots generated in the rotor cage due to hidden faults. An important result of this research is the realization that a traditional approach to the analysis of explosion protection is not sufficient in identifying these faults.