Core Technologies
Reliable Tech, Reliable Data, Reliable Upkeep
TRIPOD Corporation provides comprehensive machinery condition monitoring through the integration of electrical, vibration, lubrication, and motion amplification analysis. Anomalies that cannot be detected by a single method are identified with greater accuracy through the combination of multiple technologies.
Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA)
Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) is a technology that performs frequency analysis of current and voltage signals from motors and generators to diagnose the internal condition of rotating machinery — without stopping operations, directly from the control panel. Originally developed in the 1980s from nuclear plant valve diagnostic research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States, the technology was subsequently licensed to Framatome (Nuclear Parts Center). Framatome inherited this foundational work and developed it into a platform for industrial applications. In the 2000s, MotorDoc LLC further established its application to wind turbines.
How It Works
Current and voltage signals are acquired from motors, generators, pumps, and all other electrically driven machinery at the control panel. The acquired signals are analyzed by dedicated software using frequency analysis, enabling quantitative evaluation of the internal condition of rotating machinery. Diagnostics are completed in front of the control panel without stopping operations. No major equipment modifications are required. Early signs of anomalies that are difficult to detect through conventional inspection can be captured rapidly and safely from subtle changes in electrical signals.
Product Lineup
Product names on this site are registered trademarks or trademarks of Framatome Inc. and MotorDoc LLC.
Consisting of current probes, voltage probes, a proprietary 6-channel data acquisition/signal conditioning box, and data analysis software. Collects both voltage and current data with acquisition time of under one minute.
The EMPATH Continuous Monitoring System (EMPATH CMS) periodically detects potential equipment problems, enabling timely corrective action. Available in single-unit and 32-unit configurations.
A module designed for permanent installation in motor control panels. Enables safe and rapid acquisition of current and voltage data without opening the panel door.
Records and analyzes motor current waveforms to identify and analyze both electrical defects and mechanical problems with high precision. The ideal entry model for customers considering ESA adoption.
Wind Turbine Applications
Gearboxes, generators, and bearings of wind turbines are diagnosed from the control panel at the tower base. Through integrated analysis with wind condition and SCADA data, comprehensive operational assessment including blades is also supported. Tower-base diagnostics serve as the standard approach, significantly reducing the need for nacelle climbs. Each turbine diagnostic, including preparation and multiple data acquisitions, is completed within one hour. By capturing harmonic currents caused by inverters via ESA, early detection of main bearing damage due to electrical erosion is also effective. Early detection of generator neutral ring (slip ring) damage is also supported.
Wind turbine diagnostics using Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA)
Vibration Analysis
Vibration analysis is a fundamental technology for evaluating the structural condition of machinery. It identifies mechanical anomalies such as installation defects, imbalance, misalignment, resonance, and looseness. Combining ESA with vibration analysis enables integrated diagnostics that simultaneously evaluate both the electrical internal condition and the mechanical structural condition, achieving greater diagnostic accuracy and coverage than either method alone.
Tribology Diagnostics
Tribology is the science of lubrication, friction, and wear. Through analysis of lubricants and grease, the wear condition, contamination, and degradation of bearings and gearboxes are evaluated. Combined with ESA and vibration analysis, it enables comprehensive evaluation of the electrical, mechanical, and lubrication condition of machinery.
Motion Amplification (MA Camera)
Motion Amplification technology uses high-resolution cameras and image processing algorithms to visualize microscopic structural vibrations invisible to the naked eye. It is a powerful method that visually complements vibration analysis for identifying resonance frequencies, detecting structural looseness, visualizing imbalance, and clarifying vibration transmission paths. TRIPOD Corporation provides diagnostic services utilizing this technology through collaboration with partner companies.
Data Analysis & Consulting Services
TRIPOD Corporation offers not only equipment diagnostic services but also sales of diagnostic instruments and paid training services for those pursuing ESA expertise. We support equipment health management, operational efficiency improvement, and rapid risk reduction.
Research & Academic Collaboration
We actively engage in academic and applied research on ESA and machinery condition monitoring technologies.
- ESA application research for generators and wind turbines
- Development of diagnostic methods for low-speed and multi-pole machines
We promote joint research, academic publication, and technology dissemination through industry-academia collaboration.