ABB Ability Smart Sensor for motors provides health checks

May 7, 2017 – ABB says its ABB Ability Smart Sensor for motors uses sensors to pick up multiple data from low voltage motors and provides information about motor health and performance through a smartphone or a dedicated web portal.

By converting regular LV motors into intelligent, connected machines, the solution promises to enable advanced maintenance planning that will help businesses to cut costs and boost productivity. ABB says predictive analytics based on data from the solution can reduce downtime by up to 70 per cent, extend motor lifetime by as much as 30 per cent and cut energy consumption by up to 10 per cent. Sensor modules can be factory fitted on new motors or retrofitted on installed motors within minutes, says the company, adding that they are available for both ABB and non-ABB motors. Initial monitoring functionality will cover bearing health, vibration, surface temperature, speed, supply frequency, and number of starts. Later releases will expand the range of functionality, and energy consumption monitoring is expected to be added during Q3 2017.