A Methodology for Fault Tolerant Control of Brushless DC Motors with Damaged Hall-Effect Sensors Using Electronic Logic Gates

Abstract

Fault-tolerant control (FTC) is a design methodology that ensures control systems continue to function even with component faults or failures. FTC is particularly used in Brushless DC Motors (BLDC), electric motors that use electronic commutation instead of brushes. These motors use three Hall effect sensors, placed 120 degrees apart, to accurately determine the rotor's position and control its speed and torque. This paper presents a methodology using electronic logic gates to compensate for sensor faults by analyzing the behavior of the Hall effect signals, translating them into binary language, and enabling continued control of the BLDC motor. This methodology improves the fault-tolerant capability of BLDC motors and ensures their continued functioning despite component failures. Simulation and validation results using Matlab/Simulink demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in ensuring the continued operation of the BLDC motor despite component failures. The proposed fault-tolerant control strategy can enhance the reliability and performance of BLDC motors, making it a valuable tool for various industrial applications.