Fault Detection in Nonlinear Systems using New Observers and Self-powered Sensors

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Fault detection is difficult in real systems because of nonlinearities and parameter uncertainties. Such nonlinearities arise in green energy systems such as windmills and fuel-cells due to their underlying dynamics. Smart control systems can perform fault detection and identification (FDI), and parameter identification (PAI) in these systems by using an "observer" to estimate system states (values of internal variables) and comparing the expected system response with the true system response as measured by sensors. An emerging challenge for FDI lies in using signals from newer self-powered sensors that conserve power by providing discontinuous data. FDI using such sensors is particularly attractive in remote windmill installations. ** An explosion is anticipated in the number of green energy technologies requiring smart control systems. This demand is a direct result of global incentive programs, mandates and state government directives in growing economies like India to invest in green energy. Hence, amongst the many real-world applications, green energy technology such as fuel-cells and windmills will be the initial primary application area for this research.** In the next five years, the research program will: Obj1. Develop new nonlinear observers to broaden the scope of control theory and validate these techniques using models of fuel-cell stacks and windmill systems; Obj 2: Develop FDI techniques for uncertain nonlinear systems and validate these results using models of fuel-cell stacks; Obj 3: Develop FDI systems capable of using discontinuous sensor signals from new self-powered sensors such as battery-less wireless sensors and validate for the case of monitoring the structural health of wind turbines blades. The applicant's current collaborations with the green energy industry, such as with Ballard Power Systems (Canada) and RRB Energy (India), will be used to extend the anticipated advances and innovation in FDI and PAI to green energy systems.** This work will play a major role in training of HQP and in aiding the global competitiveness of Canada in the high-tech and green energy sectors.******