For a long, efficient life

Stöber Antriebstechnik has developed a feature for predictive maintenance of its gearmotors. The highlight: For this IoT solution, a configuration can be taken from the electronic nameplate of the gearmotor or the data can be downloaded via online service. The user does not need any special know-how to evaluate the data and handle it accordingly - but can include this in the analysis. No additional sensors, cables, software or other hardware components are required.

How likely is it that the geared motor will fail soon? Is it running in the right speed range, and is it even properly sized for the application? When is actually the ideal time to replace the gearmotor - keyword sustainability and availability? In order to be able to make reliable predictions for these and similar questions, the drive specialist Stöber now offers an efficient solution for predictive maintenance - without external sensors and additional wiring. The feature is already installed in the new 6th generation drive controllers; drive controllers of this series that are already in use receive the function via a firmware update. It is activated automatically. The required data is either stored in the electronic nameplate or can be easily downloaded via online service.

Stöber Predictive Maintenance monitors the geared motors of the drive system. Their lifetime performance is calculated using a model-based analysis procedure and output in the software of the drive controllers by the so-called lifetime performance indicator - this is a value between 0 and 100 percent. If the calculated lifetime performance reaches 90 percent, the software issues a recommendation to replace the gearmotor and also makes this available to a controller in the form of a readable parameter, if available.

Another convenient feature of Stöber Predictive Maintenance is the load matrix. This forms the solid data basis for recording real load situations: The cumulative load state of the drive system is continuously documented over the entire operating time. Via the drive controller or a control system, the load matrix can be exported as a JSON or CSV file and then imported, for example, into Excel for editing and visualization. This provides the user with a diagram that can be interpreted.  

Based on the load matrix, the user can identify any errors or anomalies and conclude on possible causes. An example: A plant is configured for 90 percent torque utilization. If this value increases significantly over time, this could indicate a defect. On this basis, the user not only monitors the gearmotor, but also receives a reliable statement about the real load situation of his machine. He does not need any special know-how for this - even without subsequent data preparation or complex analysis functions, significant improvements in terms of quality and efficiency are possible in this way.

The new solution from Stöber gives the user maximum transparency and unrestricted access to the measured data of his drive system. He recognizes trends and is consequently able to act as efficiently as possible. The new solution is completely integrated into the Stöber system and is available with all 6th generation drive controllers in combination with all geared motors.