Fault detection and tolerance of electrical machines in automotive applications

Abstract

This project explores the drive for further electrification in the automotive industry and the challenges that this brings. Specifically this thesis focuses on the demands of safety and reliability; highlighting the subtle difference between the two concepts, explaining how legislation is forcing designers to consider the ways in which a system could fail and requiring them to create methods to detect and safely handle these failures, many of which can never be completely eliminated by design. With this motive in mind, the research within this thesis is focused on fault detection and condition monitoring. A novel method of rotor magnet condition monitoring is developed, an investigation into the effects of stator impedance variation is carried out to identify opportunities to develop diagnostic algorithms and sensorless control is considered as a back-up control method should a traditional position sensor fail. This thesis shows how current research and new techniques could be applied in the modern automotive industry; highlighting the demand for ever safer electronic systems as the world strives for greater levels of autonomy on the roads