Simulation Tool to Evaluate Fault Diagnosis Techniques for DC-DC Converters

Abstract

This paper presents a tool that evaluates the applicability of a fault diagnostics technique (FDT) for Switch-Mode Non-Isolated DC-DC converters (SMNI DC-DC). The proposed tool simulates the operation of a Type II controller for a buck converter under different operating conditions and, simultaneously, implements the FDT. In this way, it is possible to evaluate the applicability of the FDT in real-time. The proposed tool is implemented in Python, and requires the partitioning of the code into different modules. The first module is responsible for modeling the different states of the converter. The second module contributes to the production of the PWM signal. The concepts of symmetry and asymmetry are implicit to the signal processing methods used in the design of the FDTs that compose the third module. Finally, all of the modules are properly included in the main function, which represents the fourth module. The validation of the proposed tool is carried out by comparing the results with the LTspice simulator and with an experimental prototype built for this purpose. Different operating conditions are considered. In addition to the proposed tool, an algorithm for the design of both the power section and the converter compensator is presented.

Keywords

• condition monitoring
• fault diagnosis
• aluminum electrolytic capacitors (Al-Caps)
• equivalent series resistance (ESR)
• buck converter
• type II controller