A modified direct torque control with fault tolerance

Abstract

The use of inverters in induction motor control has reduced classical motor faults, such as broken rotor bars or windings short-circuit, besides improving control performance. The control becomes faster and more precise, reducing peaks in current and torque, so that the motor can have a softer operation. On the other hand, new elements are included in the system and it will be necessary to take into account their faults. These elements are sensors and power electronic devices that since a control point of view are the system sensors and actuators. Fault tolerance tries to maintain the system under control in case a fault appears in the system. If this is not possible, it takes the system to a safe operational point. In this paper a fault-tolerant control for induction motors is designed. Based on a direct torque control, new control strategies have been added in case current sensor and power switch faults are detected. The challenge is to overcome these faults without any physical redundancy of sensors or power switches as other authors propose. With the proposed control, it will be possible to guarantee the motor operation in the whole speed–torque range with one or none current sensors instead of the two usually used, though the performance will be slightly worsened. In case of inverter faults, the operation range will be restricted but the performance with respect to the fault situation is improved.