Comparing Data Sources for Condition Monitoring Suitability

Abstract

In our global competitive markets, industrial companies are forced to strive for the best achievable economic efficiency. This is valid for the whole product life cycle. For machine manufacturers, this often means exploring new and better ways of product maintenance, e.g. moving from scheduled or reactive maintenance towards condition-based maintenance in order to reduce the total cost of ownership. In machines with gearboxes, vibration picked up at the machine housing often serves as input signal for performing condition monitoring. However, other measurable variables such as the loaded transmission error exist, too. Even for one physical dimension such as acceleration, many different types of sensors with different properties are available. This work provides an insight on the suitability of different kinds of measurements and sensors for gear damage detection. It takes into account the specific properties of various kinds of gear damage as well as the operating point of the gearbox to be monitored. Based on the physical properties of real sensors, adequate sensor equipment for condition monitoring is selected.