Our Core Technologies
TRIPOD Corporation provides comprehensive machine condition monitoring by integrating electrical, vibration, tribology, and motion amplification diagnostics. Anomalies invisible to a single method are reliably detected through the combination of multiple technologies.
■ Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA)
Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) is a technology that analyzes current and voltage signals from motors and generators using frequency analysis to diagnose the internal condition of rotating machinery — non-contact and without shutdown. Originating from valve diagnostic research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the 1980s, its application to wind turbines was established by MotorDoc LLC in 2003.
【EMPATH (ECMS) / Framatome】
EMPATH is an engineer-oriented ESA platform developed by Framatome. Through simultaneous measurement of current and voltage, it evaluates motor winding health, bearing condition, eccentricity, and load variation with high precision. TRIPOD Corporation is the authorized distributor for Japan, Thailand, and Laos.
【EMPOWER (MCSA) / MotorDoc】
EMPOWER is a technician-oriented Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA) platform developed by MotorDoc LLC. Designed for ease of use by field technicians, it is ideal for routine condition monitoring. TRIPOD Corporation is the authorized distributor for Japan, Thailand, and Laos.
【Wind Turbine Applications】
Complete diagnostics of wind turbine blades, gearboxes, and generators from the control panel at the tower base. No nacelle access required. Measurement time: approximately one minute per turbine. Particularly effective for early detection of electrical bearing corrosion — responsible for approximately 60% of main bearing failures.
■ Vibration Analysis (ISO Category III)
Vibration analysis evaluates the structural condition of machinery. It identifies mechanical anomalies difficult to detect through ESA alone — including misalignment, imbalance, misalignment, resonance, and looseness.
Representative Keiichiro Nagaiwa holds ISO Category III Vibration Analyst certification, enabling analysis and diagnosis of complex vibration phenomena. Combined with ESA, integrated diagnostics simultaneously evaluate both internal electrical condition and mechanical structural condition.
■ Tribology Diagnostics (ISO Category I)
Tribology is the science of lubrication, friction, and wear. Analysis of lubricating oil and grease evaluates bearing and gearbox wear condition, contamination, and degradation.
Representative Keiichiro Nagaiwa holds ISO Category I Tribologist certification. Combined with ESA and vibration analysis, this enables comprehensive evaluation of electrical, mechanical, and lubrication condition simultaneously.
■ Motion Amplification (MA Camera)
Motion Amplification technology uses high-speed cameras and image processing algorithms to visualize micro-scale structural vibrations invisible to the human eye.
・Identification of resonance frequencies
・Detection of structural looseness
・Visualization of imbalance
・Analysis of vibration transmission paths
TRIPOD Corporation provides contract diagnostic services using MA camera technology — covering measurement, analysis, and report preparation.
■ Representative's Technical Background
Representative Keiichiro Nagaiwa has been involved for many years in the research and development of condition monitoring systems for safety-related motor-operated valves in the nuclear power industry, contributing to the advancement of electrical signature analysis technology in Japan. This expertise forms the foundation for our current work in wind energy and general industrial applications.
■ Research & Development / Academic Collaboration
TRIPOD actively engages in academic and applied research related to ESA and machine condition monitoring.
・ESA application research for generators and wind turbines
・Development of diagnostic methods for low-speed, multi-pole machines
・Diagnostic research for babbitt and sleeve bearings
・Participation in international standardization activities: IEEE 1415, IEC, CIGRE A178
We promote joint research, technical publications, and technology dissemination through industry-academia collaboration.