Methods and devices for low speed low torque testing of a rotor in a turbomachinery

Methods and devices for performing a low torque low speed test to determine whether a rotor of a turbomachinery is free to rotate are provided. A method includes automatically applying a torque to the rotor, the torque gradually increasing up to a predetermined torque value. The method further includes monitoring the speed of the rotor while the torque is gradually increased. The method also includes outputting an indication that the rotor is free to rotate after the speed of the rotor becomes positive, or outputting an indication that the rotor is locked when the speed of the rotor remains zero and the applied torque has reached the predetermined torque value.