Improved open switch fault detection based on normalized current analysis in multiphase fault tolerant converters

A new open switch fault detection method based on normalized current analysis is proposed for application in multiphase fault tolerant PMSM drives. Performance characteristics of proposed method are single diagnostic variable, ability to detect open phase fault without using auxiliary variable, ability to detect multiple switch fault, simple diagnostic variable, generality, and robustness in case of high unbalanced current waveforms. Theory of diagnostic method with special multiphase drive application is developed; simulation results using Matlab/Simulink and experimental waveforms are shown to validate effectiveness of the presented fault detection method.