Kalman-Filter-Based Indicator for Online Interturn Short Circuits Detection in Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generators

Kalman filtering has been largely used in adaptive control for motor drive applications. However, few works relate to applications in the field of monitoring. In this paper, a fault indicator for interturn short circuits detection in permanent-magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) is introduced. Based on the extended form of the Kalman filter and associated to an appropriate model of PMSG expressed in the $dq$ frame, this indicator has been developed through the identification of parameters specifically introduced to point out stator faults. Special attention has been paid to the indicator sensitivity and its robustness to the generator operation mode, which implies a large range of operating points. The indicator performances have been first evaluated using an appropriate simulation model. A complete experimental campaign has been performed to validate previous simulation results. A faulty PMSG, specifically built for stator fault experiments, has been associated to a digital signal processor for an online implementation of the proposed indicator. Finally, the issue of parameter uncertainties is solved by introducing a variable threshold for detection improvement.