Development of a General Momentum Exchange Devices Fault Model for Spacecraft Fault-Tolerant Control System Design

Abstract: This paper investigates the mechanism of various faults of momentum exchange devices. These devices are modeled as a cascade electric motor EM - variable speed drive VSD system. Considering the mechanical part of the EM and the VSD system, the potential faults are reviewed and summarized. Thus with a clear understanding of these potential faults, a general fault model in a cascade multiplicative structure is established for momentum exchange devices. Based on this general model, various fault scenarios can be simulated, and the possible output can be appropriately visualized. In this paper, six types of working condition are identified and the corresponding fault models are constructed. Using this fault model, the control responses using reaction wheels and single gimbal control moment gyros under various fault conditions are demonstrated. The simulation results show the severities of the faults and demonstrate that the additive fault is more serious than the multiplicative fault from the viewpoint of control accuracy. Finally, existing fault-tolerant control strategies are brief summarized and potential approaches including both passive and active ones to accommodate gimbal fault of single gimbal control moment gyro is demonstrated.