Building a Motor Test Bench Prototype

Abstract

In modern production machines, numerous electrical motors are used, and failures are common. To reduce downtime and improve reliability, anomaly detection by sensors can be used. The anomaly detection algorithms can discover abnormal patterns in the motor’s performance and thus, give an early indication when failure is underway. An issue with this, however, is that the subject is complicated to study, as real-life production machines are difficult to test with different failure scenarios. The purpose of this project was to set up a test bench with two DC motors and sensors that could be used for studying anomaly detection algorithms. A test bench was built with an MDF board as the base. On the board, two 3D-printed motor holders for the DC motors were attached along with two axis holders to mount an axis between the motors. An Arduino Mega was connected to control the motors and adjust the speed with a potentiometer. Additionally, a temperature sensor and a 3-axis accelerometer sensor were applied to the motor and connected to the Arduino Mega. In conclusion, a prototype of a test bench for further development was created.