Vicki Warren — Iris Power - Toronto, Ontario
Brian F. Moore – Georgia Power - Atlanta, Georgia
Jim Williams – Bradley’s Motors - Corpus Christi, Texas 
Special thanks to Gary Castle at Bradley’s Motors

Traditional tests of insulation resistance, polarization index (IEEE 43) and the controlled DC high voltage test (IEEE 95) have been effective in evaluating certain aspects of global vacuum pressure impregnation (GVPI) stator windings; however, they have not proven adequate for determining whether or not the insulation system is well-consolidated. Recently there has been the development of an IEC standard (IEC 60034-27) that defines the test procedures for performing off-line partial discharge testing as part of quality assurance testing. In addition, globally there has been a move towards using a dielectrics characteristic test, either power factor or dissipation factor, as part of the QA testing for GVPI systems. Partial discharge tests have proven to be effective in locating isolated problems that could lead to failure; whereas, the dielectrics characteristic tests provide a more general condition assessment. Based on experience to date, both are needed to fully evaluate how well the winding is consolidated. 

This paper, presented at the 2014 EASA Convention, describes research done by EASA service shops on the effectiveness and practicality of using offline partial discharge combined with a dielectrics characteristic test to evaluate the consolidation of stator windings in medium voltage machines manufactured by GVPI. Advantages and disadvantages of each test and industrial standards will be described as appropriate.

Chuck Yung
Especialista Sénior de Soporte Técnico de EASA

Uno de los temas más debatidos en nuestra industria es la comparación- y los procedimientos- de impregnación por presión y vacío (VPI) versus la inmersión y secado en horno. En este artículo, he ampliado la discusión para incluir bobinas semicuradas (B-stage) y el método de goteo (trickle). Los centros de servicio que cuentan con un tanque de VPI resaltarán rápidamente los muchos beneficios del VPI, como un mejor sellado de los devanados y una mejor transferencia de calor entre los conductores de los bobinados y la carcasa para mejorar la disipación de calor.

Los bobinados de pletina (solera/bobinas formadas) y de alambre redondo tienen dos problemas claramente diferentes. Para las máquinas con bobinas de pletina, la penetración de la resina es la mayor preocupación, lo que le brinda una clara ventaja al proceso VPI. En los bobinados de alambre redondo, la inquietud es la retención de la resina.

Mike Howell
EASA Technical Support Specialist

Una de las actividades a realizar menos populares relacionadas con el tratamiento de los bobinados, es la preparación y la limpieza de los ajustes, agujeros roscados y superficies mecanizadas. Muchos centros de servicio invierten tiempo adicional durante la etapa de preparación para minimizar la etapa de limpieza. El enfoque más común para proteger estas superficies durante el tratamiento del bobinado consiste en utilizar compuestos para enmascarar o aerosoles de liberación de película seca.

Durante el último año, el departamento de soporte técnico de EASA ha recibido una serie de consultas por parte de los miembros buscando recomendaciones para reemplazar el producto “Special Masking Compound” de Famous Lubricants’ (ver Figura 1) que actualmente no se encuentra disponible. Se cree en estos momentos que el fabricante tiene la intención de continuar con la producción en el futuro, aunque el plazo se desconoce. Este problema específico conlleva a una pregunta más general: ¿Cuál es una buena práctica para escoger un producto para enmascarar estas superficies?

Mike Howell
EASA Technical Support Specialist

One of the least popular tasks to perform related to winding treatment processes is preparation and cleanup of fits, threaded holes and machined surfaces. Many service centers invest additional time in the preparation stage so as to minimize the cleanup stage. The most common approach to protecting these surfaces during winding treatment is to utilize masking compounds or dry release sprays.

In the last year, EASA’s technical support staff has received a number of inquiries from members seeking replacement recommendations for Famous Lubricants' “Special Masking Compound” which is currently unavailable. It is believed at this time that the manufacturer intends on continuing production at some point in the future though the time frame is not known. This specific problem leads to a more general question: What is a good practice for choosing a product to mask these surfaces?

Global vacuum pressure impregnation is the most common insulation system processing method utilized for form wound stators today. A successful VPI depends on several variables including materials, methods and maintenance. This recording will provide information to assist the service center with ensuring success with form wound VPI projects.

Target audience: This recording will be most useful for service center winders, engineers, supervisors and managers. The content will be beneficial for beginners through highly-experienced persons.

Jim McKee (deceased)
Alabama Electric Motor Service
Sheffield, Alabama 
Technical Education Committee Member 

There seems to be a long and never ending list of equipment and facilities needed by most EASA service centers. But often we are constrained by cost, available space, and more urgent priorities that keep us from fulfilling some of these needs. One such (almost mandatory) need is a vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) system. 

Normally there are two ways to provide this service. One way is to have another EASA service center do the VPI process for you. Another is to buy your own system at a consider­able capital investment. 

There is also another option. We decided that the way to provide VPI processing was to build our own system. Most EASA service centers have a talented collection of people with numerous skills. Ours is no exception. We felt that we had the skills in house to do the job. All we needed was some hardware and to do a bit of research into how the process works. 

This EASA software is a valuable interactive training tool ideal for training your novice(s). Even experienced winders will learn from it. The CD teaches how to wind in a richly detailed, step-by-step approach. It includes narrative, animations and video clips, with tests to assess student comprehension. The training, which is divided into 13 lessons, covers data taking, core testing, coil cutoff, burnout, stripping, core preparation, coil making, stator insulation, coil insertion, internal connections, lacing and bracing, inspection and test of untreated and treated windings, and winding treatment. Features include "Pro Tips" and "Drill Downs" that enhance the learning experience and assure that even the most experienced technician will learn from this product. The course is delivered as an interactive Adobe PDF file containing text, audio, video, supporting documents and quizzes.

LEARN MORE

Mike Howell
Especialista de Soporte Técnico de EASA

Diferentes normas relevantes incluyendo la IEC 60085 y la IEEE 1 definen de forma similar los materiales electro aislantes (EIM) y los sistemas de aislamiento eléctrico (EIS). Resumiendo, los EIM son materiales idóneos para separar las partes conductoras a diferentes voltajes y los EIS son estructuras aislantes que contienen uno o más de estos materiales.

Como en cualquier sistema, existe una interacción entre los materiales usados y los diseñadores de los sistemas de aislamiento cuidan todos los detalles para evitar que esta interacción produzca resultados indeseados. Por ejemplo, es posible que dos materiales (EIM) clasificados individualmente como clase H (180ºC) tengan vida térmica en un sistema (EIS) limitado a una clase térmica F (155ºC).

Mike Howell
EASA Technical Support Specialist

Relevant standards including IEC 60085 and IEEE 1 have similar definitions for electrical insulating materials (EIM) and electrical insulation systems (EIS). To summarize, EIM are materials suitable for separating conducting parts at different voltages, and EIS are insulating structures containing one or more of these materials.

As with any system, there is an interaction between the materials used, and the insulation system developers take great care to ensure that this interaction does not lead to undesirable outcomes. For example, it is possible for two materials (EIM) classified individually at thermal class H (180°C) to have thermal endurance in a system (EIS) limited to thermal class F (155°C). Far worse outcomes could exist if material compatibility is an issue. At the service center level, our resources are generally insufficient for these types of insulation system development activities. For this reason, two approaches often seen are (1) relying on a third party (e.g., resin manufacturer) to provide a qualified insulation system bill of materials, or (2) applying commonly used materials based on their individual ratings. The first approach is strongly recommended, and the second approach can lead to disaster.

David Sattler
L&S Electric

El objetivo de la impregnación por vacío y presión (VPI) es saturar completamente un devanado con resina aislante. A medida que la resina penetra en los materiales aislantes, los oscurece y al drenar la resina VPI del devanado, todo el aislamiento de las cabezas queda oscuro en un tono uniforme. El aislamiento de la conexión también debe quedar oscuro de forma pareja. Si algún aislamiento muestra un tono más claro, la bobina o el puente no han quedado completamente saturados y el devanado no está debidamente protegido. Si no se soluciona el problema, es probable que esto provoque un fallo prematuro en el equipo. Esto podría generar una garantía costosa o, como mínimo, la reparación no brindará a sus clientes la calidad que esperan y merecen.

Chuck Yung
EASA Senior Technical Support Specialist

Have you ever had a curing issue with your DAP monomer (diallyl-phthalate ) solventless resin (hereafter referred to as resin for simplicity)? If you haven’t, read on for guidance on preventing issues in the future. If you have, this article provides guidance on correcting the issues as well. 

As expensive as resin is, all service centers should be diligent about the care of their resin dip tank and VPI (vacuum pressure impregnation) systems.

Chuck Yung
EASA Senior Technical Support Specialist

One of the most briskly debated issues in our industry is the comparison – and procedures for – vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) versus dip & bake. For this article, I have expanded the discussion to include trickle epoxy and B-stage coils. Service centers that have a VPI tank will quickly point out the many benefits of VPI, such as better sealing of the windings and improved heat transfer from the winding conductors to the frame for enhanced heat dissipation.

Form and random windings have two distinctly different issues. For the form-wound machine, resin penetration is the biggest concern – giving a clear advantage to a VPI process. For random windings, the concern is retention of the resin.

Steve Skenzick
HPS Electrical Apparatus Sales & Service

By this time we should all know that stator core loss testing is a required part of a quality rewind.  A core loss test before and after burn-off is speci­fied in the EASA Recommended Practice for the Repair of Rotating Electrical Ap­paratus (ANSI/EASA AR100-2010) and The Effect of Repair/Rewinding on Motor Efficiency; EASA/AEMT Rewind Study and Good Practice Guide to Maintain Mo­tor Efficiency. I would like to share some core loss testing experiences we have had over the years in our service center.

David Sattler
L&S Electric

The goal of vacuum pressure impregnation is complete saturation of a winding with insulating resin. As resin penetrates the insulating materials, it causes them to darken. When VPI resin is drained from the winding, all end-turn insulation should be darkened to a uniform shade. Connection insulation should also show uniform darkening. If some insulation is a lighter shade, the coil or jumper is not fully saturated. The winding is not properly protected, and if the problem is not addressed, it is likely to cause premature failure of the unit. This could result in costly warranty work, or at a minimum, will be a failure to provide your customers with the quality they expect and deserve.

12 presentations

$60 for EASA members

 

A special discounted collection of 12 webinar recordings focusing on AC motor windings.

Once purchased, all 12 recordings will be available on your "Downloadable products purchased" page in your online account.

Downloadable recordings in this bundle include:

The Basics: Taking Motor Data
Presented September 2016

This presentation covers:

• Photo documentation
• Paper documentation
• Measurements
• Winding data: turns, wire size, connection, core dimensions
• Keeping cause of failure questions in mind

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Taking Three-Phase Winding Data
Presented October 2012

This presentation stresses the importance of taking accurate winding data and explains and emphasizes the consequences of inaccurate data. Details are provided on how to take accurate electrical and mechanical data as well as how to verify the data is correct. It gives you and improved ability to "get it right the first time" so as to avoid the added cost and time of another rewind to correct errors.

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The Basics: Motor Connections
Presented November 2016

This webinar covers:

• Internal connections
• Connections in the outlet box
• Connections in the MCC Ladder diagrams

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Tips and Techniques for Winders
Presented August 2015

This webinar covers:

• Procedural tips for coil insertion
• Creating slot room where there is none
• Faster, easier separators
• Lacing technique to prevent phase paper pull-out
• Interspersed coil winding made simple
• Better braze joints

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Rewinding Tips for Premium Efficient Motors
Presented June 2016

This webinar recording covers: 

• Importance of core loss testing
• Methods to reduce core losses
• Slot fill improvement without reducing copper

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Windings & Connections
Presented December 2015

This webinar recording focuses on the internal connections of AC motors, including:

• Wye or delta?
• Parallel circuits
• Dual voltage - delta connected, wye connected and wye/delta connected
• Tri-voltage - 2D2Y1D and others

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Concentric or Lap? Considerations for the 2-Pole Stator Rewind
Presented September 2014

Two-pole motors present special rewind issues, especially when converting them from concentric to lap windings. The pitch is especially important as certain coil pitches will cause harmonics that have a negative impact on performance. Optimum pitches are often very difficult to wind and shorter pitches result in sacrificed conductor area.

This presentation explores sample redesigns and present some guidelines to assist in deciding between the concentric and lap winding.

Target audience: This webinar will be most useful for service center winders, engineers, supervisors and managers. The content will be beneficial for beginners through highly experienced persons.

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Stator Rewinds: When Things Get Tight
Presented June 2015

When preparing to rewind random or form wound stators, sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be enough room in the stator slot for the desired conductor area and insulation quantities. Common scenarios encountered are redesigns from concentric to lap, changes to higher voltages or aggressive designs from the OEM.

This webinar will look at balancing stator copper losses against insulation reliability.

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Ensuring Success With VPI
Presented June 2014

Global vacuum pressure impregnation is the most common insulation system processing method utilized for form wound stators today. A successful VPI depends on several variables including materials, methods and maintenance. This recording will provide information to assist the service center with ensuring success with form wound VPI projects.

Target audience: This recording will be most useful for service center winders, engineers, supervisors and managers. The content will be beneficial for beginners through highly-experienced persons.

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Induction Motor Rotor Windings: Squirrel-Cage and Wonld Rotor Basics
Presented January 2018

This presentation covers the following topics:

• Induction motor basics for operation
• Squirrel-cage
  • Conductor material
  • Deep-bar effect
  • Multiple-cage windings
  • Phase resistance
  • IEC/NEMA design letters
  • Speed-torque characteristics
• Wound-rotor
  • Winding construction
  • Wave-wound connections
  • Distribution factor and chord factor
  • Rotor phase voltage
  • Speed-torque characteristics

Target audience: This webinar will benefit service center technicians and supervisors. 

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2-Speed, 2-Winding Pole Group Connections
Presented September 2018

The topics covered included in this webinar recording:

• One circuit wye connection — Best, no parallel paths, turns per coil may prevent this
• Delta or multiple parallel circuits—Produces closed circuits, Circulating currents
• Open delta (4 wire connection)
• Permissible connections—Skip pole, adjacent pole
• Determined by speed combination

T​arget audience: This webinar recording will benefit service center technicians and supervisors.

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Minimizing Risk With High-Voltage Rewinds
Presented February 2014

This webinar presents a product quality planning process for industrial motor stator windings rated above 4 kV. Emphasis is placed on analyzing gaps between these projects and lower voltage rewinds as they relate to:

• Stator winding design
• Insulation system validation
• Process control

Target audience: This presentation is most useful for service center winders, engineers, supervisors and managers. The content targets beginners through highly experienced persons.