Internet of things-enabled smart monitoring of induction motors for industrial applications

Abstract

AC motors, particularly induction motors, remain the most widely used machines in industrial applications due to their simplicity, robustness, and efficiency. Given their critical role, continuous monitoring and regulation of induction motor parameters are essential to ensure reliability and prevent unexpected failures. This research presents an internet of things (IoT-based) system for real-time monitoring and control of a three-phase induction motor. Various sensors are employed to measure key parameters such as motor temperature, current, and voltage, with the collected data transmitted to a processing unit and displayed on a server for remote access. To enhance fault resilience, the system integrates both automatic and manual control mechanisms for starting or stopping motors under abnormal conditions. The proposed approach enables continuous monitoring, early fault detection, and predictive maintenance, thereby improving overall operational efficiency and reducing downtime. Induction motors, first introduced by Nikola Tesla, account for over 50% of global electricity consumption and are deployed in nearly 90% of industrial operations. Their dominance stems from inherent advantages, including being self-starting, cost-effective, reliable, and maintenance-friendly, as well as offering a strong power factor, compact design, and high efficiency. By leveraging IoT technology, this work bridges the gap between traditional motor operation and modern Industry 4.0 practices, providing a scalable solution for smart industrial environments.