A Study on Open Switch Fault Detection in Inverters of PMSM Drive

Abstract

Due to the factors such as high efficiency, power density and excellent torque speed characteristics, PMSM is being widely used in Electric Vehicles and other industrial applications. Hence, a lot of research works are going on to improves its control strategies. PMSM being costlier than induction motor, this paper focuses on quicker and real time fault detection of the inverters used with PMSM so that it prevents further damage to the motor as well to the users. Several methods such as signal based and data-based methods are already in discussion for the fault detections. Inverters being the main component of the system, faster fault identification methods in real time systems are necessary. Also identifying the exact switch with open circuit fault will aid in replacement of one single switch instead of replacement of complete system and can reduce e-waste as well. In this paper we use current variation between various phases and the rotor angle, with the healthy state value to identify the fault in less than 1/8th cycle of the current.