Actuator fault distinguishability study for the DAMADICS benchmark problem

The paper discusses the problems of fault distinguishability in case of a multiple-valued evaluation of fault symptoms. Definitions of conditional and unconditional fault distinguishability are introduced to make allowance for assessment of quality of fault isolation approaches. Definitions of the sensitivity of fault distinguishability and sensitivity of fault delectability on the set of available process variables are formulated. Based on an example, it is demonstrated that distinguishability factors can be improved by application of multiple-valued evaluation of symptoms instead of binary ones. Fault distinguishability and detectability factors are examined on the example of actuation system. Practical hints for the actuator designers and users are given. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.