Method and apparatus for detecting phase current imbalance in a power generator

摘要

A controller (500) in an electric drive system is used to determine whether a phase current imbalance in the output winding of a power generator (204) exists. During operation, the controller (500) receives a set of power generator diagnostic values corresponding to the phase currents output by the power generator (204). Next, the controller (500) determines a set of expected operating phase current values. The controller (500) then compares the obtained diagnostic values to one or more corresponding expected operating values. If the difference is greater than a threshold, the controller (500) provides an appropriate fault indication indicative of a phase current imbalance.

主权项

1. A method for determining a malfunction condition of a diode within a rectifier circuit in an electric drive system, the electric drive system including a prime mover disposed to provide an output and a power generator with a rotating portion coupled with the output of the prime mover, and an output winding disposed to provide a generator output to the rectifier circuit, the method comprising:
receiving a set of diagnostic values associated with the output winding of the power generator, the set of diagnostic values including a first phase current value, a second phase current value, and a third phase current value; comparing the first phase current value, the second phase current value, and the third phase current value; and setting a diagnostic flag indicating that at least one of the diodes of the rectifier circuit has failed when the ratio of first phase current value to the second phase current value or ratio of the first phase current value to the third phase current value exceeds a threshold.