Using an Innovative Smart Sensor for Early Detection of Anomalies to Improve Drive Train Monitoring

Bearings are the most stressed component in the operation of drive trains. This could explain the fact that bearing failure is the most common occurrence in drive trains. For this reason, several methods have been used to monitor the condition of bearings to ensure their proper functioning. The main objective of all these methods is to increase the prediction time of possible anomalies or failures that may cause malfunctions or stoppage of the machines at considerable cost. The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the current methods used for monitoring of drive trains, show their advantages and disadvantages particularly with regard to the prediction time of possible anomalies. Then we will have a brief overview of the physical properties used by the innovative sensor. To validate the efficiency of the sensor a key of performance indicator will be defined for this case. Finally, some measurement results of the sensor will be presented as well as their use in the monitoring of bearings and machines.