Fault diagnostics using sliding mode techniques

Abstract

This paper describes the application of sliding mode observation techniques to the problem of fault diagnostics. A specific diesel engine coolant system is considered. A non-linear sliding mode observer is used to monitor the system states. Pertinent system parameters are also monitored using the concept of the equivalent injection signal required to maintain a sliding mode. The parameter estimates from the sliding mode scheme are compared with those generated by a non-linear simulation model and are found to provide good correlation. Results from a laboratory-based power generator set (Genset) are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.