Effect of model uncertainty on failure detection: the threshold selector

Abstract

The performance of all failure detection, isolation, and accommodation (DIA) algorithms is influenced by the presence of model uncertainty. The authors present a unique framework to incorporate a knowledge of modeling error in the analysis and design of failure detection systems. A concept is introduced called the threshold selector, which is a nonlinear inequality whose solution defines the set of detectable sensor failure signals. It identifies the optimal threshold to be used in innovations-based DIA algorithms. The optimal threshold is shown to be a function of the bound on modeling errors, the noise properties, the speed of DIA filters and the classes of reference and failure signals. The size of the smallest detectable failure is also determined. The results are applied to a multivariable turbofan jet engine example, which demonstrates improvements compared to previous studies.