Fast-convergent Fault Detection and Isolation in an Uncertain Scenario

Abstract\u2014In this paper, a fast-convergent fault detection and isolation architecture is proposed for linear MIMO continuoustime systems. By exploiting a system decomposition technique and making use of kernel-based deadbeat estimators, the state variables can be estimated in a non-asymptotic way. Estimation residuals are then defined to detect the occurrence of a fault and identify the occurring fault function after fault detection. In the noisy scenario, thresholds are defined for the residual to distinguish the effect of the noise from that of the fault. Numerical examples are included to characterize the effectiveness of the proposed FDI architectur

Fast-convergent fault detection and isolation in a class of nonlinear uncertain systems

The present work proposes a fast-convergent fault detection and isolation (FDI) scheme for linear systems affected by model uncertainties, such as unknown inputs or unbounded nonlinearities. The finite-time convergence is attained by transforming the I/O signals through Volterra operators with suitably designed kernel functions. A novel feature of the proposed approach is the exploitation of a system decomposition that allows removing the effect of intractable uncertainties while recasting the system dynamics in a form applicable for Volterra operators to achieve non-asymptotic estimation. Remarkably, the proposed approach can reconstruct the state variables of the system in an arbitrarily short time and the fault can be diagnosed efficiently by imposing detection and isolation thresholds on transformed signals. The detectability and isolability of the fault are also characterized. The proposed FDI scheme is applied in simulation to a web process system to diagnose the presence of actuator faults. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in two scenarios with nonlinear uncertainties. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the proposed method and a Sliding Mode Control (SMC) method in terms of estimation performance and computational complexity

Fault-tolerant Stochastic Distributed Systems

The present doctoral thesis discusses the design of fault-tolerant distributed systems, placing emphasis in addressing the case where the actions of the nodes or their interactions are stochastic. The main objective is to detect and identify faults to improve the resilience of distributed systems to crash-type faults, as well as detecting the presence of malicious nodes in pursuit of exploiting the network. The proposed analysis considers malicious agents and computational solutions to detect faults. Crash-type faults, where the affected component ceases to perform its task, are tackled in this thesis by introducing stochastic decisions in deterministic distributed algorithms. Prime importance is placed on providing guarantees and rates of convergence for the steady-state solution. The scenarios of a social network (state-dependent example) and consensus (time- dependent example) are addressed, proving convergence. The proposed algorithms are capable of dealing with packet drops, delays, medium access competition, and, in particular, nodes failing and/or losing network connectivity. The concept of Set-Valued Observers (SVOs) is used as a tool to detect faults in a worst-case scenario, i.e., when a malicious agent can select the most unfavorable sequence of communi- cations and inject a signal of arbitrary magnitude. For other types of faults, it is introduced the concept of Stochastic Set-Valued Observers (SSVOs) which produce a confidence set where the state is known to belong with at least a pre-specified probability. It is shown how, for an algorithm of consensus, it is possible to exploit the structure of the problem to reduce the computational complexity of the solution. The main result allows discarding interactions in the model that do not contribute to the produced estimates. The main drawback of using classical SVOs for fault detection is their computational burden. By resorting to a left-coprime factorization for Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) systems, it is shown how to reduce the computational complexity. By appropriately selecting the factorization, it is possible to consider detectable systems (i.e., unobservable systems where the unobservable component is stable). Such a result plays a key role in the domain of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs). These techniques are complemented with Event- and Self-triggered sampling strategies that enable fewer sensor updates. Moreover, the same triggering mechanisms can be used to make decisions of when to run the SVO routine or resort to over-approximations that temporarily compromise accuracy to gain in performance but maintaining the convergence characteristics of the set-valued estimates. A less stringent requirement for network resources that is vital to guarantee the applicability of SVO-based fault detection in the domain of Networked Control Systems (NCSs)

Adaptive Disturbance Torque Estimation for Orbiting Spacecraft Using Recursive Least-Squares Methods

This paper develops a novel disturbance torque estimator for an orbiting spacecraft by using the adaptive least-squares parameter estimation technique. The disturbance estimation is first formulated as an adaptive least-squares minimization problem using a set of polynomial functions and then integrated with the feedback momentum estimator. The covariance update law with a variable forgetting factor is used, and it is shown that the convergent rate for estimation errors can be made at the same level as the forgetting factor. The proposed approach is particularly suited for orbiting small or microsatellite applications, where the momentum management capacity is often limited. The onboard estimated disturbance torque input can then be used as a part of control resource for spacecraft momentum management. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed concept

Modulating function based fault diagnosis using the parity space method

A model-based method for the detection and estimation of faults in dynamic systems is proposed. The method is based on the combination of the parity space approach and the modulating function framework for estimation. The parity space method is employed as an efficient geometric procedure determining null subspaces for annihilating unknown terms and formulating residuals. With the modulating functions technique the dynamic relation from output differentiation is reformulated as an algebraic expression. This substantially reduces the noise sensitivity of the output derivatives required. The design allows for the robust fault detection and isolation also for some nonlinear systems. The robustness of the approach is demonstrated on a nonlinear model of a four-tank process

A Control Systems Perspective to Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis

Modern industrial processors, engineering systems and structures, have grown significantly in complexity and in scale during the recent years. Therefore, there is an increase in the demand for automatic processors, to avoid faults and severe break downs, through predictive maintenance. In this context, the research into nonlinear systems analysis has attained much interest in recent years as linear models cannot be used to represent some of these systems. In the field of control systems, the analysis of such systems is conducted in the frequency domain using methods of Frequency Response Analysis. Generalised Frequency Response Functions (GFRFs) and the Nonlinear Output Frequency Response Functions (NOFRFs) are Frequency Response Analysis techniques used for the analysis of nonlinear dynamical behaviour in the frequency domain. The problem of Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis has been investigated in the perspective of modelling, signal processing and multivariate statistical analysis, data-driven methods such as neural networks have gained significant popularity. This is because possible faulty conditions related to complex systems are often difficult to interpret. In such a background, recently, a new data-driven approach based on a systems perspective has been proposed. This approach uses a controls systems analysis method of System Identification and Frequency Response Analysis and has been shown before as a potential technique. However, this approach has certain practical concerns regarding real-world applications. Motivated by these concerns in this thesis, the following contributions are put forward: 1. The method of evaluating NOFRFs, using input-output data of a nonlinear system may experience numerical errors. This is a major concern, hence the development of a method to overcome these numerical issues effectively. 2. Frequency Response Analysis cannot be used in its current state for nonlinear systems that exhibit severe nonlinear behaviour. Although theoretically, it has been argued that this is possible, even though, it has been impossible in a practical point of view. Therefore, the possibility and the manner in which Frequency Response Analysis can be conducted for these types of systems is presented. 3. Development of a System Identification methodology to overcome the issues of inadequately exciting inputs and appropriately capturing system dynamics under general circumstances of Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis. In addition to the above, the novel implementation of a control systems analysis approach is implemented in characterising corrosion, crack depth and crack length on metal samples. The approach is applied to the data collected, using a newly proposed non-invasive Structural Health Monitoring method called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) wireless eddy current probing. The control systems analysis approach along with the RFID wireless eddy current probing method shows the clear potential of being a new technology in non-invasive Structural Health Monitoring systems

Fault tolerant control for nonlinear aircraft based on feedback linearization

The thesis concerns the fault tolerant flight control (FTFC) problem for nonlinear aircraft by making use of analytical redundancy. Considering initially fault-free flight, the feedback linearization theory plays an important role to provide a baseline control approach for de-coupling and stabilizing a non-linear statically unstable aircraft system. Then several reconfigurable control strategies are studied to provide further robust control performance:- A neural network (NN)-based adaption mechanism is used to develop reconfigurable FTFC performance through the combination of a concurrent updated learninglaw. - The combined feedback linearization and NN adaptor FTFC system is further improved through the use of a sliding mode control (SMC) strategy to enhance the convergence of the NN learning adaptor. - An approach to simultaneous estimation of both state and fault signals is incorporated within an active FTFC system.The faults acting independently on the three primary actuators of the nonlinear aircraft are compensated in the control system.The theoretical ideas developed in the thesis have been applied to the nonlinear Machan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system. The simulation results obtained from a tracking control system demonstrate the improved fault tolerant performance for all the presented control schemes, validated under various faults and disturbance scenarios.A Boeing 747 nonlinear benchmark model, developed within the framework of the GARTEUR FM-AG 16 project “fault tolerant flight control systems”,is used for the purpose of further simulation study and testing of the FTFC scheme developed by making the combined use of concurrent learning NN and SMC theory. The simulation results under the given fault scenario show a promising reconfiguration performance

Measurements, Models, Systems and Design

531 s.

Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 146, March 1982

This bibliography lists 442 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical system in February 1982