Showing papers on "Fault indicator published in 2015"

A Survey of Fault Diagnosis and Fault-Tolerant Techniques—Part I: Fault Diagnosis With Model-Based and Signal-Based Approaches

Abstract: With the continuous increase in complexity and expense of industrial systems, there is less tolerance for performance degradation, productivity decrease, and safety hazards, which greatly necessitates to detect and identify any kinds of potential abnormalities and faults as early as possible and implement real-time fault-tolerant operation for minimizing performance degradation and avoiding dangerous situations. During the last four decades, fruitful results have been reported about fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control methods and their applications in a variety of engineering systems. The three-part survey paper aims to give a comprehensive review of real-time fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control, with particular attention on the results reported in the last decade. In this paper, fault diagnosis approaches and their applications are comprehensively reviewed from model- and signal-based perspectives, respectively.

A Comprehensive Review of Catastrophic Faults in PV Arrays: Types, Detection, and Mitigation Techniques

Abstract: Three major catastrophic failures in photovoltaic (PV) arrays are ground faults, line-to-line faults, and arc faults. Although there have not been many such failures, recent fire events on April 5, 2009, in Bakersfield, CA, USA, and on April 16, 2011, in Mount Holly, NC, USA, suggest the need for improvements in present fault detection and mitigation techniques, as well as amendments to existing codes and standards to avoid such accidents. This review investigates the effect of faults on the operation of PV arrays and identifies limitations to existing detection and mitigation methods. A survey of state-of-the-art fault detection and mitigation technologies and commercially available products is also presented.

Induction Machine Bearing Fault Detection by Means of Statistical Processing of the Stray Flux Measurement

Abstract: Rolling bearing faults are generally slowly progressive; therefore, the development of an effective diagnostic technique could be worth detecting such faults in their incipient phase and preventing complete failure of the motor. The methods proposed in the literature for this purpose are mainly based on measuring and analyzing vibration and current. Here, a novel technique based on the stray flux measurement in different positions around the electrical machine is proposed. The main advantages of this method are due to the simplicity and the flexibility of the custom flux probe with its amplification and filtering stage. The flux probe can be easily positioned on the machines and adapted to a wide range of power levels. This paper also reports an extensive survey on the stray-flux-based fault detection methods for induction motors, prior to introducing a novel sensor/diagnostic scheme.

Global Fault-Tolerant Control Technique for Multiphase Permanent-Magnet Machines

Abstract: In this paper, a global fault-tolerant control (FTC) technique is proposed for multiphase permanent-magnet (PM) machine drives. The goal of the proposed FTC is to find a general closed-form solution for healthy phase currents under steady-state postfault conditions. Healthy phase currents are found through an optimization problem to produce ripple-free output torque with minimum ohmic losses. A comprehensive FTC approach should be able to provide fault-tolerant currents for multiphase machines with any number of phases. In addition, it needs to find currents based on fault type (open-circuit/short-circuit), fault locations [phase(s) and/or line(s)], connection of stator windings, and even different control objectives. An important feature of the proposed method is its flexibility and simplicity in dealing with all possible fault conditions. The proposed method is a great tool to evaluate fault-tolerant capability of different drive systems in terms of maximum available ripple-free torque and copper losses. Due to its simplicity and flexibility, it is also well-suited for real-time implementation. A five-phase PM machine is used as an example to investigate the validity of the proposed solutions through finite-element analysis and experimental tests.

Speed and Current Sensor Fault Detection and Isolation Technique for Induction Motor Drive Using Axes Transformation

Abstract: This paper presents a new technique for fault detection and isolation to make the traditional vector-controlled induction motor (IM) drive fault tolerant against current and speed sensor failure. The proposed current estimation uses d- and q-axes currents and is independent of the switching states of the three-leg inverter. While the technique introduces a new concept of vector rotation to generate potential estimates of the currents, speed is estimated by one of the available model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based formulations. A logic-based decision mechanism selects the right estimate and reconfigures the system (by rejecting the signal from the faulty sensors). Such algorithm is suitable for different drives, including electric vehicles to avoid complete shutdown of the system, in case of sensor failure. The proposed method is extensively simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and experimentally validated through a dSPACE-1104-based laboratory prototype.

Photovoltaic Systems Reliability Improvement by Real-Time FPGA-Based Switch Failure Diagnosis and Fault-Tolerant DC–DC Converter

Abstract: The increased penetration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in different applications with critical loads such as in medical applications, industrial control systems, and telecommunications has highlighted pressing needs to address reliability and service continuity. Recently, distributed maximum power point tracking architectures, based on dc–dc converters, are being used increasingly in PV systems. Nevertheless, dc–dc converters are one of the important failure sources in a PV system. Since the semiconductor switches are one of the most critical elements in these converters, a fast switch fault detection method (FDM) is a mandatory step to guarantee the service continuity of these systems. This paper proposes a very fast FDM based on the shape of the inductor current associated to fault-tolerant (FT) operation for boost converter used in PV systems. By implementing fault diagnosis and reconfiguration strategies on a single field-programmable gate array target, both types of switch failure (open- and short-circuit faults) can be detected, identified and handled in real time. The FDM uses the signal provided by the current sensor dedicated to the control of the system. Consequently, no additional sensor is required. The proposed FT topology is based on a redundant switch. The results of hardware-in-the-loop and experimental tests, which all confirm the excellent performances of the proposed approach, are presented and discussed. The obtained results show that a switch fault can be detected in less than one switching period, typically around 100 ms in medium power applications, by the proposed FDM.

Online Interturn Fault Diagnosis of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Using Zero-Sequence Components

Abstract: This paper develops an online interturn fault diagnosis method for permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The mathematical model of the PMSM with interturn fault is established. The zero-sequence voltage component and zero-sequence current component are analyzed in the PMSM, respectively. Then, the new fault indicators are defined to remove the influence of the variation of the rotor speed and an effective frequency tracking algorithm is presented to extract fault indicators. In this proposed method, not only the interturn fault can be effectively detected, but also the phase in which this fault occurs can be accurately identified. The experiments are carried out and the experiment results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Fault Estimation and Fault-Tolerant Control for Discrete-Time Dynamic Systems

Abstract: In this paper, a novel discrete-time estimator is proposed, which is employed for simultaneous estimation of system states, and actuator/sensor faults in a discrete-time dynamic system. The existence of the discrete-time simultaneous estimator is proven mathematically. The systematic design procedure for the derivative and proportional observer gains is addressed, enabling the estimation error dynamics to be internally proper and stable, and robust against the effects from the process disturbances, measurement noise, and faults. Based on the estimated fault signals and system states, a discrete-time fault-tolerant design approach is addressed, by which the system may recover the system performance when actuator/sensor faults occur. Finally, the proposed integrated discrete-time fault estimation and fault-tolerant control technique is applied to the vehicle lateral dynamics, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed techniques.

Detection and Location of High Impedance Faults in Multiconductor Overhead Distribution Lines Using Power Line Communication Devices

Abstract: An effective power system protection scheme has to be able to detect and locate all occurring faults corresponding to low and high impedance values. The latter category poses the greatest challenge for the protection schemes due to the low values of the related fault current. This paper extends previous work by the authors on the subject, aiming to achieve detection and location of high impedance faults (HIFs) in multiconductor overhead distribution networks utilizing power line communication (PLC) devices. Fault detection is proposed to be performed by a PLC device installed at the starting point of the monitored line and by using differences to the values of metrics related to input impedance at frequencies utilized by narrowband systems. Moreover, fault location can be derived by a response to impulse injection procedure utilized by all installed PLC devices along the line. The method is evaluated and validated in various simulation test cases concerning its ability to effectively detect and locate HIFs.

Impact of HVDC Transmission System Topology on Multiterminal DC Network Faults

Abstract: This paper compares how a dc fault affects a multiterminal dc (MTdc) network depending on the HVDC transmission system topology. To this end, a six-step methodology is proposed for the selection of the necessary dc fault protection measures. The network consists of four voltage-source converters converters radially connected. The converters natural fault response to a dc fault for the different topologies is studied using dynamic simulation models. For clearing of the dc faults, four different dc breaker technologies are compared based on their fault interruption time, together with a current direction fault detection method. If necessary, the converters are reinforced with limiting reactors to decrease the peak value and rate of rise of the fault currents providing sufficient time for the breakers to isolate the fault without interrupting the MTdc network operation. The study shows that the symmetric monopolar topology is least affected by dc contingencies. Considering bipolar topologies, the bipolar with metallic return exhibits better fault response compared to the one with ground return. Topologies with ground or metallic return require full semiconductor or hybrid breakers with reactors to successfully isolate a dc fault.

Wind Turbine Fault Diagnosis and Fault-Tolerant Torque Load Control Against Actuator Faults

Abstract: Wind turbines are designed to generate electrical energy as efficiently and reliably as possible. Advanced fault detection, diagnosis, and accommodation schemes are necessary to realize the required levels of reliability and availability in modern wind turbines. This paper presents two novel approaches oriented to the design of fault-tolerant control (FTC) schemes for reliable regulation of generator torque in a wind turbine that can be affected by both model uncertainties and actuator faults in its generator/converter. The first approach is based on fuzzy model reference adaptive control in which a fuzzy inference mechanism is used for parameter adaptation without any explicit knowledge of the potential faults in the system. The second approach exploits fuzzy modeling and identification method to develop an integrated model-based fault detection and diagnosis, and automatic signal correction mechanism to accommodate potential faults in the system based on online diagnostic information. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed FTC schemes is illustrated and compared by a series of simulations on a well-known large offshore wind turbine benchmark in the presence of wind turbulences, measurement noises, and realistic fault scenarios in the generator/converter torque actuator.

Kalman-Filter-Based Indicator for Online Interturn Short Circuits Detection in Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generators

Abstract: Kalman filtering has been largely used in adaptive control for motor drive applications. However, few works relate to applications in the field of monitoring. In this paper, a fault indicator for interturn short circuits detection in permanent-magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) is introduced. Based on the extended form of the Kalman filter and associated to an appropriate model of PMSG expressed in the $dq$ frame, this indicator has been developed through the identification of parameters specifically introduced to point out stator faults. Special attention has been paid to the indicator sensitivity and its robustness to the generator operation mode, which implies a large range of operating points. The indicator performances have been first evaluated using an appropriate simulation model. A complete experimental campaign has been performed to validate previous simulation results. A faulty PMSG, specifically built for stator fault experiments, has been associated to a digital signal processor for an online implementation of the proposed indicator. Finally, the issue of parameter uncertainties is solved by introducing a variable threshold for detection improvement.

Fault-Location Scheme for Power Distribution System with Distributed Generation

Abstract: This paper presents a novel fault-location scheme for unbalanced power distribution system in the presence of distributed generation (DG). The proposed scheme first identifies the possible fault locations using a new formulation of the impedance-based method. The new formulation overcomes the requirement of fault-type identification by using only one fault-location equation. The proposed equation is applicable to all shunt fault types. From the possible fault locations, the exact fault location is then identified by matching the measured voltage at the substation bus and each DG unit bus with calculated ones. The proposed scheme is applicable for all DG types without the need for their individual parameters. The balanced and unbalanced laterals and the capacitive effect of distribution line are also considered. The proposed scheme was evaluated and tested on a modified IEEE 34-bus distribution system using PSCAD/EMTDC software.

Robust Control of Fault-Tolerant Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor for Aerospace Application With Guaranteed Fault Switch Process

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel ten-phase fault-tolerant permanent-magnet synchronous motor (FTPMSM) with two stators and two rotors on the same shaft. Furthermore, a concentrated, single-layer, and alternate-teeth-wound winding is adopted to enhance the fault isolation capacity of the motor. In addition, we propose a new approach to the speed control of the developed motor, which takes the electromagnetic torque ripple in the fault switch process into account. The control can guarantee the uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness of the system regardless of the load disturbance and the parameter variation, particularly for the fault switch process after a fault occurrence before the fault-tolerant control can take effect. Moreover, an optimal torque control is adopted to further improve the fault-tolerant performance, which enables a ripple-free torque operation under open-circuit and short-circuit fault conditions. Simulation and experimental results show that the FTPMSM system with the proposed control strategy has excellent fault-tolerant performance and good robustness. This paper provides an innovative approach by employing a robust control for a speed loop to guarantee the fault-tolerant performance of the proposed motor system under normal and fault conditions, even in the fault switch process.

A Novel Method for Single and Simultaneous Fault Location in Distribution Networks

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel method for single and simultaneous fault location in distribution networks by means of a sparse representation (SR) vector, Fuzzy-clustering, and machine-learning. The method requires few smart meters along the primary feeders to measure the pre- and during-fault voltages. The voltage sag values for the measured buses produce a vector whose dimension is less than the number of buses in the system. By concatenating the corresponding rows of the bus impedance matrix, an underdetermined set of equation is formed and is used to recover the fault current vector. Since the current vector ideally contains few nonzero values corresponding to fault currents at the faulted points, it is a sparse vector which can be determined by $\ell^{{{1}}}$ -norm minimization. Because the number of nonzero values in the estimated current vector often exceeds the number of fault points, we analyze the nonzero values by Fuzzy-c mean to estimate four possible faults. Furthermore, the nonzero values are processed by a new machine learning method based on the k-nearest neighborhood technique to estimate a single fault location. The performance of our algorithms is validated by their implementation on a real distribution network with noisy and noise-free measurement.

Real-Time Traveling-Wave-Based Fault Location Using Two-Terminal Unsynchronized Data

Abstract: In this paper, a new two-terminal traveling-wave-based fault-location algorithm is proposed. Its main advantage over similar two-terminal algorithms lies in the fact it does not require the data from both line terminals to be synchronized. In order to do so, the algorithm is applied in real time, and a communication system is used, whose data-transmission latency is taken into account in the proposed formulation. The fault locator routines were implemented using the real-time digital simulator (RTDS), such that a wide variety of fault scenarios in a 230-kV transmission line 200 km long was evaluated in real time, considering communication systems with different latency variability levels. The obtained results indicate the proposed algorithm is able to locate faults using either synchronized or unsynchronized two-terminal data, whereas classical methods work properly for synchronized measurements only.

Enhancing the performance of transmission line directional relaying, fault classification and fault location schemes using fuzzy inference system

Abstract: This study aims to improve the performance of transmission line directional relaying, fault classification and fault location schemes using fuzzy system. Three separate fuzzy inference system are designed for complete protection scheme for transmission line. The proposed technique is able to accurately detect the fault (both forward and reverse), locate and also identify the faulty phase(s) involved in all ten types of shunt faults that may occur in a transmission line under different fault inception angle, fault resistances and fault location. The proposed method needs current and voltage measurements available at the relay location and can perform the fault detection and classification in about a half-cycle time. The proposed fuzzy logic based relay has less computation complexity and is better than other AI based methods such as artificial neural network, support vector machine, and decision tree (DT) etc. which require training. The percentage error in fault location is within 1 km for most of the cases. Fault location scheme has been validated using χ2 test with 5% level of significance. Proposed scheme is a setting free method and is suitable for wide range of parameters, fault detection time is less than half cycle and relay does not show any reaching mal-operation so it is reliable, accurate and secure.

Single-Switch DC–DC Converter With Fault-Tolerant Capability Under Open- and Short-Circuit Switch Failures

Abstract: This paper proposes fault-tolerant (FT) operation of a single-switch dc-dc converter under a switch failure. In order to improve the reliability in critical applications, FT operation is mandatory to guarantee service continuity. The FT operation of a power system can be performed in three steps: fault diagnosis (detection and identification) and remedial actions. In the case of a switch failure, suitable fault detection is essential to avoid its propagation to the whole system. This study is based on a fast and efficient open- and short-circuit switch fault diagnosis. Both types of switch failure can be detected, identified, and handled in real time by implementing fault diagnosis and reconfiguration strategies on a field-programmable gate array target. No additional sensor is required to perform the fault detection. A redundant switch and a bidirectional switch are needed for converter reconfiguration in postfault operation. The results of hardware-in-the-loop and experimental tests, which all confirm the good performances of the proposed approach, are presented and discussed.

Synchrophasor-Based Wide-Area Backup Protection Scheme with Data Requirement Analysis

Abstract: This paper presents a fast and robust wide-area backup protection scheme to detect the faulty condition and to identify the faulted line in a large power network The proposed methodology uses positive-sequence synchrophasor data captured by either digital relays with synchronization capability or phasor measurement units dispersed over the network The basic idea behind the new protection scheme is the comparison of bus voltage values calculated through dissimilar paths Upon occurrence of a fault, the faulty condition is first detected and the bus(es) connected to the faulted line is(are) determined Among transmission lines connected to the suspected bus(es), the faulted one is thereafter identified In addition to two-terminal transmission lines, multiterminal lines are also incorporated The performance of the proposed method is validated on the IEEE 57-bus test system in different fault conditions (fault type, fault location, and fault resistance) Discrimination of faulty and normal conditions is simulated by examining various stressed conditions, for example, load encroachment, generator outage, and power swing The data requirement of the proposed technique is analyzed as well To do so, a mathematical model for the optimal placement of measurement devices is developed and applied to different IEEE standard test systems

Three-Phase Fault Detection During Power Swing by Transient Monitor

Abstract: Distance relays are immune to inadvertent operation during power swings by a block known as “power swing blocking (PSB)”. Its main function is discriminating faults from power swings. However, if a fault occurs during a power swing, PSB should be de-blocked and let the distance relay to operate normally and clear the fault accordingly. Meanwhile, discrimination of a three-phase fault from a power swing is the most difficult task due to their likelihood. This paper proposes a new method to overcome this issue by monitoring the transient period established in the process of current dynamic phasor estimation. In this regard, transient monitor (TM) index, which is the difference between the estimated current samples regenerated from the calculated dynamic phasors and the actual sample values, is used to distinguish the fault from the power swing. Fourier-Taylor transformation is applied to estimate the dynamic phasor of the current signal. Simulation results verify the inherent potential of the proposed method to overcome the issue.

Detection, Classification, and Estimation of Fault Location on an Overhead Transmission Line Using S-transform and Neural Network

Abstract: This article demonstrates a technique for diagnosis of fault type and faulty phase on overhead transmission lines. A method for computation of fault location is also incorporated in this work. The proposed method is based on the multi-resolution S-transform, which is used for generating complex S-matrices of the current signals measured at the sending and receiving ends of the line. The peak magnitude of the absolute value of every S-matrix is noted. The phase angle corresponding to every peak component is obtained from the argument of the relevant S-matrix. These features are used as input vectors of a probabilistic neural network for fault detection and classification. Detection of faulty phase(s) is followed by estimation of fault location. The voltage signal of the affected phase is processed to generate the S-matrix. The frequency components of the S-matrices for different fault locations are used as input vectors for training a back-propagation neural network. The results are obtained with s...

Event-Based Protection Scheme for a Multiterminal Hybrid DC Power System

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate an event-based protection scheme for a multiterminal dc power system, which includes hybrid energy resources and various loading schemes. The proposed protection scheme transfers less data when compared with commonly used data-based protection methods, and does not require high-speed communication and synchronization. Each protection unit is able to autonomously identify the type of event using the current derivative fault identification method, employing an artificial inductive line impedance. In order to accurately set the protection relays, detailed fault current analysis considering low pass resistor capacitor filter effects are presented. The decision for fault isolation is made based on the unit judgment and the data received through high-level data communication from other interconnected units. The performance of the proposed protection scheme was evaluated under different dc feeder and bus faults. The results show that this scheme is able to accurately identify the type of fault, isolate the faulted area, and restore the system quickly while limiting the load voltage drop to its preset limit.

Ground Fault Detection and Location for Ungrounded DC Traction Power Systems

Abstract: A fault protection and location method for ungrounded dc traction power systems is presented in this paper. Many dc traction power systems have an ungrounded power circuit to increase the leakage path resistance. Although ungrounded systems can continue operating with a single ground contact, unlike solid- or low-resistance grounded systems, because of the very low fault current, a second ground fault in another pole will result in a line-to-line fault that could cause significant system damage. However, it is difficult to detect the first ground contact due to the low ground current and even harder to locate because it can be seen by many detectors in the network. The proposed scheme in this paper uses a probe unit to detect and locate the first single ground fault in ungrounded traction power systems. The probe unit applies probe voltage to detect the fault and, once the fault is detected, analyzes the response to dc or swept-frequency ac probe voltage to locate the fault. The proposed concepts have been verified with computer simulations and hardware experiments and demonstrated a successful performance.

Mitigation of Turn-to-Turn Faults in Fault Tolerant Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

Abstract: This study presents a method to mitigate and alleviate the effects produced by a turn-to-turn short in a fault tolerant permanent magnet synchronous motor with single-layer concentrated windings. The rotor magnets are capable of inducing a high voltage across the fault contact point; this voltage has the potential to generate a high circulating current that promotes the rapid propagation of the fault due to the thermal stress created by the increased localized fault power losses. The scope of this study is for applications where postfault operation is desired, even if it means operating at reduced power capacity and lower speeds. Upon quick detection of a fault, the proposed technique can be used to decelerate the propagation of the fault and extend the machine's postfault life span. The technique consists of a magnetic field-weakening strategy at speeds below nominal, to reduce the voltage induced in the faulted portion. The concept is validated through finite element analysis, modeling, and experimental data. It is demonstrated that the proposed technique reduces the fault current magnitude and winding temperature.

Robust sliding-mode observer-based sensor fault estimation, actuator fault detection and isolation for uncertain nonlinear systems

Abstract: This paper deals with the issues of sensor fault estimation, actuator fault detection and isolation for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. By taking the sensor fault vector as a part of an extended state vector, the original system with sensor faults, actuator faults and unknown inputs is transformed into an augmented singular system which is just with actuator faults and unknown inputs. For the constructed singular system, a robust sliding-mode observer is developed to simultaneously estimate the states and sensor faults of original system, and the observer gain matrices are computed in terms of linear matrix inequalities by solving an optimization problem. Then an actuator fault detector is designed to detect actuator faults when ones occur, and multiple observers used as actuator fault isolators are proposed to identify which actuator is with fault. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Automatic fault detection and diagnosis for photovoltaic systems using combined artificial neural network and analytical based methods

Abstract: Long term exposure of photovoltaic (PV) systems under relatively harsh and changing environmental conditions can result in fault conditions developing during the operational lifetime. The present solution is for system operators to manually perform condition monitoring of the PV system. However, it is time-consuming, inaccurate and dangerous. Thus, automatic fault detection and diagnosis is a critical task to ensure the reliability and safety in PV systems. The current state-of-the-art techniques either cannot provide enough detailed fault information with high accuracy or have too much complexity. This work presents an automatic fault detection and diagnosis method for string based PV systems. It combines an artificial neural network (ANN) with the conventional analytical method to conduct the fault detection and diagnosis tasks. A two-layered ANN is applied to predict the expected power which is then compared with the measured power from the real PV system. Based on the difference between the ANN estimated power and the measured power, the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the PV string determined using analytical equations are used to identify any of the six defined fault types. The proposed method has a fast detection, compact structure and good accuracy. Simulation results show the effective fault detection and diagnosis capability of the proposed method.