Expert system structures for fault detection in spaceborne power systems

The authors present an architecture for an expert system structure suitable for use with power system fault detection algorithms. The system described does not react to faults which have occurred, but rather performs online diagnostics and parameter evaluation to determine potential or incipient fault conditions. The system is also designed to detect high impedance or arcing faults which cannot be detected by conventional protection devices. This system is part of an overall monitoring computer hierarchy which would provide a full evaluation of the status of the power system and react to both incipient and catastrophic faults. An approximate hardware structure is suggested, and software requirements are discussed. Modifications to CLIPS software, to capitalize on features offered by expert systems, are presented. It is suggested that such a system would have significant advantages over existing protection philosophies.

Expert system structures for fault detection in spaceborne power systems Conference Paper