Predictive diagnostics for the main field winding and rotating rectifier assembly in the brushless synchronous generator

On-line predictive diagnostics can be an effective tool for minimizing overall maintenance costs and reducing system down time. In this paper, a method for detecting the onset of field winding and rotating rectifier failure modes in the brushless synchronous generator is presented A theoretical analysis of the brushless generator is first carried out to establish the effects of the two faults of interest. The theoretical analysis provides the underlying basis of operation for a predictive diagnostics technique that is proposed to identify the onset of these faults. Next, seeded fault experiments are conducted where the deterioration of rotor main field winding and rectifier diode performance are purposely introduced to the generator system. The results of the seeded fault experiments are compared to baseline operation to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed technique in predicting the onset of both main field winding and rotating rectifier faults.