T. Baudendistel, PC Krause and Associates, Inc; Steve Pekarek, Mario Rotea, Purdue University;E. A. Walters, Steve Peecher, Hao Huang, Smiths Aerospace; Sean A. Field, Nathan E. Kumbar, H. Huang, Naval Air Systems Command
In this presentation, a pair of recently developed hardware and software tools for the prognostics and health-monitoring of electric generators, motors, power electronic components, and electric power systems will be presented. The first tool is a vibration sensor that is low cost, durable. This sensor has been used to detect torque-ripple-induced vibration created by electric machines. It provides a convenient means to detect faults of both electrical and mechanical components of electric drive systems and also facilitates feedback-based control to mitigate the vibration source through control of the excitation to a machine. The second tool is a thermal-observer based health monitor. This tool effectively predicts the thermal behavior of stator, rotor, and winding structures based upon input from a minimal number of thermocouples and stator current sensors.
It is shown that through coupling of these two tools, a comprehensive prognostic and health management system (PHM) for aircraft generators and associated electrical systems can be developed. Using this multi-physics approach it is possible to effectively detect component degradation and aid in prediction of time-to-failure as well as provide information to feedback-based strategies for operation of generator electrical systems under component degradation or failure. This will improve the warfighting capabilities by extending the life of the generator electrical system.
2nd Annual Propulsion-Safety and Affordable Readiness Conference, March 2007, San Diego, CA. Contact information: baudendistel@pcka.com