Identification of sensor faults on turbofan engines using pattern recognition techniques

The possibility to identify faults in the readings of the sensors used to monitor the performance of a high by-pass ratio turbofan engine is examined. A novel method is proposed, based on the following principle: if a measurement set is fed to an adaptive performance analysis algorithm, a set of component performance modification factors (fault parameters) is produced. Faults, which may be present in the measurement set, may be recognized from the patterns they produce on the modification factors. The constitution of a method of this type based on pattern recognition techniques is discussed here. Test cases corresponding to different sensor faults, simulating operation in real conditions are examined. Three kinds of pattern recognition techniques with increasing complexity are used, in order to correctly identify the examined sensor faults. It is demonstrated that by choosing an appropriate formulation it is possible to have a 100% success in the identification of the examined sensor faults. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.