Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “sensor fault”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 289 records · Page 16

Data-Driven Cyber-Attack Detection for PV Farms via Time-Frequency Domain Features

The internetworking of grid-connected power electronics converters (PECs) in photovoltaic (PV) farms has inevitably expanded the cyber-attack surfaces. Here this paper presents a comprehensive study on cyber-attack detection and diagnosis for PEC-enabled PV farms via single waveform sensor to distinguish between normal conditions, open-circuit faults, short-circuit faults, and cyber-attacks. To our knowledge, this has not been attempted before. Firstly, we propose frequency-domain magnitude-based residuals to identify short-circuit faults and a time-domain mean current vector-based feature to distinguish open-circuit faults from other threats. These features can fully reflect the specific physical characteristics of PV farms during threat duration. Secondly, unlike micro phasor measurement units (µPMU) and raw electric waveform-based methods, the proposed innovative features can address novel cyber-attacks that are excluded from the training process. Thirdly, an online hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed using the OPAL-RT real-time digital simulator has verified the effectiveness. The monitoring system runs in real-time while using HIL as an operational solar farm and a National Instruments (NI) data acquisition card as the electric waveform sensor at the point of coupling.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Efficient Method for Optimizing Placement of Sensors

A computationally efficient method has been developed to enable optimization of the placement of sensors for the purpose of diagnosis of a complex engineering system (e.g., an aircraft or spacecraft). The method can be used both in (1) designing a sensor system in which the number and positions of sensors are initially not known and must be determined and (2) adding sensors to a pre-existing system to increase the diagnostic capability. The optimal-sensor-placement problem can be summarized as involving the following concepts, issues, and subproblems: a) Degree of Diagnosability - This is a concept for characterizing the set of faults that can be discriminated by use of a given set of sensors. b) Minimal Sensor Set - The idea is one of finding a minimal set of sensors that guarantees a specific degree of diagnosability. c) Minimal-Cost Sensors - In a case in which different sensors are assigned with different costs, it is desired to choose the least costly set of sensors that affords a specific degree of diagnosability.

Fijany, Amir↗

A flight expert system (FLES) for on-board fault monitoring and diagnosis

The increasing complexity of modern aircraft creates a need for a larger number of caution and warning devices. But more alerts require more memorization and higher work loads for the pilot and tend to induce a higher probability of errors. Therefore, an architecture for a flight expert system (FLES) to assist pilots in monitoring, diagnosing and recovering from in-flight faults has been developed. A prototype of FLES has been implemented. A sensor simulation model was developed and employed to provide FLES with the airplane status information during the diagnostic process. The simulator is based partly on the Lockheed Advanced Concept System (ACS), a future generation airplane, and partly on the Boeing 737, an existing airplane. A distinction between two types of faults, maladjustments and malfunctions, has led us to take two approaches to fault diagnosis. These approaches are evident in two FLES subsystems: the flight phase monitor and the sensor interrupt handler. The specific problem addressed in these subsystems has been that of integrating information received from multiple sensors with domain knowledge in order to assess abnormal situations during airplane flight. This paper describes the reasons for handling malfunctions and maladjustments separately and the use of domain knowledge in the diagnosis of each.

Ali, M.↗

Five Year Wildfire Risk Reduction Action Plan for the Electric Power Industry

The U.S. DOE and the Electric Power Research Institute convened a wildfire advisory group to bring together knowledge of ignition risks, electric utility needs, the applicability of available technology, and existing technology gaps. The outcome is a five-year action plan, containing recommendations on RD&D projects, that if completed by the year 2030, may accelerate the power industry’s ability to substantially reduce wildfire ignition risks. When reviewing this document please consider it is a snapshot in time for the years 2023 and 2024, could be obsolete by the end of the decade. The following list comprises the titles and topics for the proposed follow-on demonstrations: 1. Hybrid Undergrounding RD&D, 2. Live Downed Conductor Detection RD&D, 3. Fault Energy Reduction RD&D, 4. Advanced Inspection and Response Drone, 5. Fault and PQ Event Signature Repository, 6. Advanced and Intelligent Sensor Nodes, 7. Fire Friendly Asset Coatings and Coverings, and 8. Environmental Monitoring Action Plan.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The fault monitoring and diagnosis knowledge-based system for space power systems: AMPERES, phase 1

The objective is to develop a real time fault monitoring and diagnosis knowledge-based system (KBS) for space power systems which can save costly operational manpower and can achieve more reliable space power system operation. The proposed KBS was developed using the Autonomously Managed Power System (AMPS) test facility currently installed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), but the basic approach taken for this project could be applicable for other space power systems. The proposed KBS is entitled Autonomously Managed Power-System Extendible Real-time Expert System (AMPERES). In Phase 1 the emphasis was put on the design of the overall KBS, the identification of the basic research required, the initial performance of the research, and the development of a prototype KBS. In Phase 2, emphasis is put on the completion of the research initiated in Phase 1, and the enhancement of the prototype KBS developed in Phase 1. This enhancement is intended to achieve a working real time KBS incorporated with the NASA space power system test facilities. Three major research areas were identified and progress was made in each area. These areas are real time data acquisition and its supporting data structure; sensor value validations; development of inference scheme for effective fault monitoring and diagnosis, and its supporting knowledge representation scheme.

Lee, S. C.↗

Cubic-meter scale laboratory fault re-activation experiments to improve the understanding of induced seismicity risks

Abstract To understand fluid induced seismicity, we have designed a large-scale laboratory experiment consisting of a one-cubic-meter sandstone with an artificial fault cut and fluid-injection boreholes. The sandstone block is assembled in a true triaxial loading frame and equipped with 38 piezoelectric sensors to locate and characterise acoustic emission events. The differential stress on the artificial fault is increased in stages to bring it towards a critically stressed state. After each stage of differential stress increase, fluids are injected at low pressures through boreholes to test the potential of fault re-activation. In addition, a high-pressure injection was conducted that created a hydraulic fracture from the injection borehole towards the artificial fault. The newly generated fluid pathway resulted in an activation of the complete block through a stick–slip movement. We compare acoustic emission measurements from the laboratory experiment with seismicity observations from the field-scale CO 2 injection at Decatur, Illinois, U.S., and conclude that the existence of fluid pathways plays a decisive role for the potential of induced seismicity.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Autonomous reconfigurable virtual sensing system for cyber-attack neutralization

An industrial asset may be associated with a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node generating a series of monitoring node values over time representing current operation of the industrial asset. An abnormality detection computer may determine that at least one abnormal monitoring node is currently being attacked or experiencing a fault. A virtual sensing estimator may continuously execute an adaptive learning process to create or update virtual sensor models for the monitoring nodes. Responsive to an indication that a monitoring node is currently being attacked or experiencing a fault, the virtual sensing estimator may be dynamically reconfigured to estimate a series of virtual node values for the abnormal monitoring node or nodes based on information from normal monitoring nodes and appropriate virtual sensor models. The series of monitoring node values from the abnormal monitoring node or nodes may then be replaced with the virtual node values.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Adaptive, self-tuning virtual sensing system for cyber-attack neutralization

An industrial asset may have a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node generating a series of monitoring node values over time representing current operation of the industrial asset. An abnormality detection computer may determine that an abnormal monitoring node is currently being attacked or experiencing a fault. An autonomous, resilient estimator may continuously execute an adaptive learning process to create or update virtual sensor models for that monitoring node. Responsive to an indication that a monitoring node is currently being attacked or experiencing a fault, a level of neutralization may be automatically determined. The autonomous, resilient estimator may then be dynamically reconfigured to estimate a series of virtual node values based on information from normal monitoring nodes, appropriate virtual sensor models, and the determined level of neutralization. The series of monitoring node values from the abnormal monitoring node or nodes may then be replaced with the virtual node values.

Abbaszadeh, Masoud↗

Signal and data processing of small targets 1989; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Mar. 27-29, 1989

The present conference on digital signal processing, association and filtering techniques, and multiple-sensor/multiple-tracking techniques, discusses single-frame velocity estimation, efficient target extraction for laser radar imagery, precision target tracking for small extended objects, IR clutter partitioning for matched filter design, the maximum-likelihood approach to gamma circumvention, position estimation for optical point targets using staring detector arrays, and a multiple-scan signal processing technique for area-moving target indication. Also discussed are a proportional integral estimator, the prediction of track purity in tracking performance evaluations, synchronization and fault-tolerance in a distributed tracker, the benefits of soft sensors and probabilistic fusion, and testing track initiation algorithms fusing two-dimensional tracks.

Drummond, Oliver E.↗

Condition Monitoring of Helicopter Gearboxes by Embedded Sensing

Health of helicopter gearboxes is commonly assessed by monitoring the housing vibration, thus it is challenged by poor signal-to-noise ratio of the signal measured away from the source. It is hypothesized that vibration measurements from sensors placed inside the gearbox will be much clearer indicators of faults and will eliminate many of the difficulties faced by present condition monitoring systems. This paper outlines our approach to devising such a monitoring system. Several tasks have been outlined toward this objective and the strategy to address each has been described. Among the tasks are wireless sensor design, antenna design, and selection of sensor locations.

Suryavanashi, Abhijit↗

Research Introduction [Slides]

In the topic of Reverse Time Imaging, we proposed a new IC to reduce computation cost but reserve image resolution for distributed sensor networks. For Induced Seismicity in Oklahoma, we analyzed fault stress state analysis at state scale, and we applied machine learning techniques to polarity picking and seismicity rate forecasting. The results provide better understanding of fault properties, stress field, and the relationships among fault, stress state, injections, and potential seismic hazards. Lastly, for Microseismic Monitoring, we detected and located 770 low-frequency events (5-50 Hz): (1) Shallow events are highly clustered, consistent with the pathway from injection well 13-10A to monitoring well; moment tensor inversion shows dominant tensile cracking; (2) Deep events are scattered and show migration pattern to the basement; moment tensors show that most events are shear cracks.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Development status of solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis for manned spacecraft life support systems

Details of the design and system verification test results are presented for a six-man-rated oxygen generation system. The system configuration incorporates components and instrumentation for computer-controlled operation with automatic start-up/shutdown sequencing, fault detection and isolation, and with self-contained sensors and controls for automatic safe emergency shutdown. All fluid and electrical components, sensors, and electronic controls are designed to be easily maintainable under zero-gravity conditions. On-board component spares are utilized in the system concept to sustain long-term operation (six months minimum) in a manned spacecraft application. The system is centered on a 27-cell solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis module which, combined with the associated system components and controls, forms a total system envelope 40 in. high, 40 in. wide, and 30 in. deep.

Nuttall, L. J.↗

Test experience on an ultrareliable computer communication network

The dispersed sensor processing mesh (DSPM) is an experimental, ultrareliable, fault-tolerant computer communications network that exhibits an organic-like ability to regenerate itself after suffering damage. The regeneration is accomplished by two routines - grow and repair. This paper discusses the DSPM concept for achieving fault tolerance and provides a brief description of the mechanization of both the experiment and the six-node experimental network. The main topic of this paper is the system performance of the growth algorithm contained in the grow routine. The characteristics imbued to DSPM by the growth algorithm are also discussed. Data from an experimental DSPM network and software simulation of larger DSPM-type networks are used to examine the inherent limitation on growth time by the growth algorithm and the relationship of growth time to network size and topology.

Abbott, L. W.↗

Performance analysis of a fault inferring nonlinear detection system algorithm with integrated avionics flight data

This paper presents the performance analysis results of a fault inferring nonlinear detection system (FINDS) using integrated avionics sensor flight data for the NASA ATOPS B-737 aircraft in a Microwave Landing System (MLS) environment. First, an overview of the FINDS algorithm structure is given. Then, aircraft state estimate time histories and statistics for the flight data sensors are discussed. This is followed by an explanation of modifications made to the detection and decision functions in FINDS to improve false alarm and failure detection performance. Next, the failure detection and false alarm performance of the FINDS algorithm are analyzed by injecting bias failures into fourteen sensor outputs over six repetitive runs of the five minutes of flight data. Results indicate that the detection speed, failure level estimation, and false alarm performance show a marked improvement over the previously reported simulation runs. In agreement with earlier results, detection speed is faster for filter measurement sensors such as MLS than for filter input sensors such as flight control accelerometers. Finally, the progress in modifications of the FINDS algorithm design to accommodate flight computer constraints is discussed.

Caglayan, A. K.↗

Fly-By-Light/Power-By-Wire Requirements and Technology Workshop

The results of the Fly-By-Light/Power-By-Wire (FBL/PBW) Workshop held on March 17-19, 1992, at the NASA Langley Research Center are presented. The FBL/PBW program is a joint NASA LeRC/LaRC effort to develop the technology base for confident application of integrated FBL/PBW systems to transport aircraft. The objectives of the workshop were to ascertain the FBL/PBW program technical requirements and satisfy the requirements and needs from the industry viewpoint, provide a forum for presenting and documenting alternative technical approaches which satisfy the requirements, and assess the plan adequacy in accomplishing plan objectives, aims, and technology transfer. Areas addressed were: optical sensor systems, power-by-wire systems, FBL/PBW fault-tolerant architectures, electromagnetic environment assessment, and system integration and demonstration. The workshop consisted of an introductory meeting, a 'keynote' presentation, a series of individual panel sessions covering the above areas, with midway presentations by the panel chairpersons, followed by a final summarizing/integrating session by the individual panels, and a closing plenary session summarizing the results of the workshop.

Baker, Robert L.↗

Fault detection and diagnosis using neural network approaches

Neural networks can be used to detect and identify abnormalities in real-time process data. Two basic approaches can be used, the first based on training networks using data representing both normal and abnormal modes of process behavior, and the second based on statistical characterization of the normal mode only. Given data representative of process faults, radial basis function networks can effectively identify failures. This approach is often limited by the lack of fault data, but can be facilitated by process simulation. The second approach employs elliptical and radial basis function neural networks and other models to learn the statistical distributions of process observables under normal conditions. Analytical models of failure modes can then be applied in combination with the neural network models to identify faults. Special methods can be applied to compensate for sensor failures, to produce real-time estimation of missing or failed sensors based on the correlations codified in the neural network.

Kramer, Mark A.↗

Advanced Diagnostic System on Earth Observing One

In this infusion experiment, the Livingstone 2 (L2) model-based diagnosis engine, developed by the Computational Sciences division at NASA Ames Research Center, has been uploaded to the Earth Observing One (EO-1) satellite. L2 is integrated with the Autonomous Sciencecraft Experiment (ASE) which provides an on-board planning capability and a software bridge to the spacecraft's 1773 data bus. Using a model of the spacecraft subsystems, L2 predicts nominal state transitions initiated by control commands, monitors the spacecraft sensors, and, in the case of failure, isolates the fault based on the discrepant observations. Fault detection and isolation is done by determining a set of component modes, including most likely failures, which satisfy the current observations. All mode transitions and diagnoses are telemetered to the ground for analysis. The initial L2 model is scoped to EO-1's imaging instruments and solid state recorder. Diagnostic scenarios for EO-1's nominal imaging timeline are demonstrated by injecting simulated faults on-board the spacecraft. The solid state recorder stores the science images and also hosts: the experiment software. The main objective of the experiment is to mature the L2 technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7. Experiment results are presented, as well as a discussion of the challenging technical issues encountered. Future extensions may explore coordination with the planner, and model-based ground operations.

Hayden, Sandra C.↗

Vibration Anomaly Indicator in UAVs in presence of Wind

One of the critical factors affecting flight safety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is the amount of vibration they are exposed during a flight. For UAVs under remote operation, vehicle stabilization and navigation is typically achieved by estimating its attitude and position using onboard miniature sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS via an onboard autopilot. Since precise control of the UAV relies heavily on the attitude sensing, the vibration levels need to be as low as possible in order to minimize the signal noise. Incorrect sensor data can lead to uncertain state estimation causing the multirotor to drift from its desired position. Moreover, high vibrations can induce faults in the safety-critical components of the UAV such as its on-board sensors, motors and propellers. Hence, it is important to monitor the vibration levels during a UAV flight. This paper specifically looks into effect of wind on the vibrations recorded by the autopilot system in an octocopter. Using data from experimental flights under varying wind conditions, we aim to classify between a nominal and anomalous vibration level and define a safety metric known as the Vibrational Anomaly Indicator (VAI) for small UAV systems. Further, we will study effect of high vibrations on the inertial measurement unit (IMU) of an octocopter under laboratory set-up and compute the VAI from IMU measurements. Results would demonstrate the utility of VAI as an health indicator for unmanned flights either in presence of winds or from degraded on-board IMU sensor.

Vibration↗