A Review of Testing and Suppression Strategies for Electrically Induced Failure in Rolling Bearings

Abstract Bearing voltages damage bearing surfaces and lead to early failure, particularly in motors powered by inverter-driven systems. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles, the operating conditions of their motor bearings have introduced new complexities, making electrically induced bearing damage (EIBD) an increasingly pressing issue. In recent years, research on EIBD has gradually shifted from traditional field testing to tribological testing approaches. This review is dedicated to summarizing and comparing these tribology-based methods, as well as suppression strategies, to provide guidance for future research. It analyzes the relationship between bearing tribology development and EIBD, explores the evolution of EIBD, and highlights the challenges faced by electric vehicle bearing failures. A variety of test rigs and techniques are systematically introduced and compared, and methodological foundations for future EIBD research are established. The paper investigates key parameters in EIBD testing from a tribological perspective, supporting the integration of tribology and power electronics. Suppression methods for EIBD are reviewed, with an emphasis on the conditions under which each method performs best. In conclusion, the paper proposes several research directions with future potential. Key directions include deeper electro-tribological investigations, stronger links across test scales, and tribology-based suppression methods.