Power Transistor Fault Diagnosis in SRM Drives Based on Indexes of Symmetry

Abstract

To reduce the negative impacts of power converters on a machine such as switched reluctance motor (SRM) a fast and accurate fault detection method is required. Several fault types could occur in SRM drives, such as, open and short-circuit transistor faults. Thus, this paper presents a new fault detection and diagnosis method for transistor faults in a SRM drive. The method is based on symmetry indexes that are created from the analysis of the currents patterns. The proposed approach results in a fast and robust method, presenting immunity to different mechanical conditions. The characteristics of the proposed method will be verified through several simulation tests.