A root cause analysis investigation we worked a while back involved the destruction of an 800hp DC Motor. The DC Motor had an eight pole design. Only four poles were connected. The motor operated fine at lower power settings. During sea trials of the ship the motor caught fire and filled the engine compartment with smoke and resulted in the ship coming to a full stop.
Total repair costs approached $900,000. Significant concern from the crew and leadership. The Captain was unhappy!
During the maintenance task wires had been disconnected. The project personnel were unaware that terminal wires would be lifted so no follow-up inspection was scheduled.
Can you see the difference between Port & Starboard field wiring?
The motor automatic shut-downs also did not function.
Corrective Actions
1. Simple wiring diagrams inside cover
2. Labels on Wire & Terminals
3. Terminal & Landing wire terminal style or size differences
4. Improvement of the shut down system; wiring up the temperature measurement devices in the rotor of the motor
Any one of these corrective actions, derived from the root cause analysis, can reduce the probability of motor damage/failure.
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