Voltage Source Inverters: an Easy Approach for Fast Fault Detection

Abstract

Fault-tolerant converters have been widely investigated for years and nowadays an extensive technical literature on this field exists. This paper presents a novel fault detection algorithm based on a simple geometrical approach. In the algorithm analysis both the case of faults in single device and the loss of an entire inverter leg have been considered. The proposed methodology is characterized by simplicity, low computational and implementation effort with a consequent fast execution and easy control integration. The suggested algorithm is verified by means of experimental tests and reveals a valid and suitable alternative to the existing state of the art in the field of inverter fault detection.