Single and Multiple Open-Switch Fault Diagnosis in Electric Drives via Zero-Current Interval Analysis

Read full text
Authors: Luis Esteban Venghi, Facundo Aguilera, Pablo Martin de la Barrera, Cristian H. De Angelo
Cited by: 1

Abstract

In this work, a new and simple method for open-switch fault diagnosis in electric drives based on zero-current detection is proposed. The approach requires only two phase current sensors, with the measured currents being normalized and separated into positive and negative half-cycles. A variable-sample-time moving average is introduced for post-processing the signals. Zero-current interval detection is employed to diagnose both single and multiple open-switch faults. The proposed method was experimentally validated under various fault conditions, including single-switch, crossed-switch, full-leg, and two upper- or lower-switch open-circuit faults. Experimental results demonstrate that, despite its simplicity and ease of implementation, the method reliably detects all single and double open-switch fault scenarios in less than one electrical cycle, across different motor operating conditions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Machine Fault Diagnosis Techniques Multilevel Inverters and Converters Power Systems Fault Detection

Publication details

Journal / source
IEEE Latin America Transactions
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Volume
24
Issue
3
Pages
216–226
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN