Statistical fault detection and reconstruction of sensors of the Ariane engine

A statistical multivariate model with minimum variance of the reconstruction error (VRE) has been tested with data captured in several tests of the Ariane´s engine. Only reconstructible sensors according to the VRE criteria are included in the statistical model and the same criterion is used to determine the number of principal components to retain when creating the model with data acquired during normal operating conditions. The resulting model is used for fault detection and reconstruction by projecting new acquired data in the space defined by that model and their statistical limits. Results show that real faulty situations can be correctly reconstructed when fault directions (sensors) are known.