Implementation of an observer-based fault detection scheme on a lab-scale power system

This paper deals mainly with the real-time implementation of an observer-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) scheme on a laboratory scale electric power system to detect various faults in the synchronous generator excitation control loop. The following types of faults have been considered: sensor faults, and load faults in the synchronous machines. The paper has concluded that for the purpose of fault detection, a simplified synchronous machine model is sufficient. However, in order to isolate the fault, or to obtain the detailed information about the fault, or to estimate the severity of the fault, more detailed mathematical and physical models have to be used.