State-of-the-Art on the Marine Current Turbine System Faults

Abstract

This chapter deals with the state of the art on the marine current turbine (MCT) system faults. Indeed, the MCT structure consists of a marine turbine, a generator (permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) or doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)), and a PWM power converter. Nevertheless, these systems are exposed to functional and environmental severe conditions. Firstly, the power increase leads to a higher current and/or voltage. Second, the installation of the MCT system under the sea and the existence of the swell and wave imply harmonic current speeds. In fact, several faults (related to the turbine, the generator, the blades, and the converters) can occur in the MCT system. Most of these faults generate the speed and the torque oscillations, which can lead to mechanical vibrations and the rapid destruction of the insulating material generator. Consequently, MCT system performances can be degraded.