Modeling of Time Domain Analysis for Single and Double Open-Circuit Inverter Switch Faults in Three-Phase Induction Motor Drives

In recent years, most of the induction motor applications require inverter-based drives for a more efficient and precise speed control. Nonetheless, the use of power electronics came with an increased possibility of the drive failure, mainly caused by the switching device itself. To address this reliability issue, various methods have been widely discussed for inverter fault detection and localization (FDL). The development process of the FDL algorithms often involve some fairly complicated mathematical models. Hence, this work is intended to present an approach of utilizing MATLAB and Simulink software to assist in the process of simulating the induction motor drive operation under healthy and faulty inverter conditions. Twenty-one combinations of open-circuit fault are simulated, the data are then used for FDL specifically using time domain current vector trajectory analysis. The simulation results show that the model produces the expected fault signature and the FDL algorithm is capable to distinguish each different condition with the detection speed of around one fundamental phase current period even under variable load operation.