Fault detection for variable-speed wind turbines using vibrations and electrical measurements

A technique for detecting faults in variable speed wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generators is proposed. A new method for processing vibration signals is proposed based on a resampling of the acquired signals in order to obtain a speed independent vibration spectrum. This new resampling is obtained using a reduced order observer which allows estimating rotor position using voltage and current measurements, without the need of a position sensor. Experimental results including a rotor imbalance fault are presented to validate the proposal.