Detecting faults in heterogeneous and dynamic systems using DSP and an agent-based architecture

Authored by David Lane, Osama Zaki, Keith Brown, John Fletcher

Date Published: 2007-12

DOI: 10.1016/j.engappai.2007.02.012

Sponsors: United Kingdom Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Platforms: Microsoft Visual Basic

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Flow charts

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the use of multi-agent systems (MAS), firstly as a modelling technique for dynamic physical systems and secondly as the basis for a generic and powerful diagnostic system, which can support heterogeneous distributed systems. First an overview of the diagnostic techniques including those offered by the two communities fault detection and isolation (FDI) and DX (based on intelligent techniques) is given. The use of digital signal processing (DSP) as a significant technique for improved fault diagnosis is illustrated. A rule-based engine is used to control the behaviours of the agents and also as a tool for diagnosis. Finally, the integration of DSP agents and the rule-based engine into MAS is demonstrated using a real-life application, a class-AB amplifier (a power electronic circuit). It is shown that the integration of DSP agents and rules into MAS provides a powerful tool for prognosis and for detection of abrupt (short and open circuit) and incipient faults. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tags

Agent-based modelling agent-based architecture digital signal processing fault diagnostics