Fault detection and isolation of pitch actuator faults in a floating wind turbine

Abstract

In this work, the problem of detection and isolation of pitch actuator faults in wind turbines (WTs) is addressed. First, interval observers are used by means of the Luenberger observer to obtain an upper and a lower estimated bounds. The main advantage of this approach is that the new bounds enclose the real output measurement within a bounded interval in a guaranteed way under consideration of the uncertainties (in this case noise in the pitch measurement). Finally, residual signals are obtained and processed to detect and isolate the different faults. The efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated through simulation with the 5MW floating offshore (barge) WT benchmark model given by the aero-lastic wind turbine simulator-FAST. This software is designed by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and is widely used in research and industry.