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Advances in Sensor Technology and Applications for Fault Diagnosis: Design, Architecture, and Approaches

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Fault Diagnosis & Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 8380

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taipei University, Taipei 23741, Taiwan
Interests: dynamic system modeling; machine learning; bio-mechatronics; intelligent systems

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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Interests: robotics; artificial intelligence; interactive robotics; social service robotics

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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Mie 514-8507, Japan
Interests: medical informatics; image processing; welfare information systems; deep learning and its application; agricultural informatics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Sensors journal focuses on the latest advances in sensor technology and applications for fault diagnosis. The ability to detect, diagnose, and predict faults in complex systems is critical for ensuring their safe and reliable operation. Sensors play a crucial role in this regard, providing real-time information on the state of the system and enabling proactive maintenance and repair.

This Special Issue brings together original research articles and reviews that cover a wide range of topics related to fault diagnosis, including innovative sensor design and architecture, machine learning and data-driven approaches, IoT and wearable sensors, and smart/intelligent sensor-based systems. The articles will provide insights into the latest developments in sensor relevant technology, as well as their applications in various domains, such as healthcare, energy, traffic/transportation, manufacturing, and industrial.

We also welcome manuscripts that present research proposals and ideas, as well as those related to publicly funded research projects. In addition, authors are encouraged to provide electronic files and software as supplementary material in order to facilitate reproducibility and promote open science.
This special issue aims to showcase the state-of-the-art in sensor technology and its applications for fault diagnosis, and to encourage further research in this important area.

Related topics included but not limited:

  • Fault diagnosis
  • Sensor design and architecture
  • Sensor technology 
  • Wearable sensors 
  • IoT/AIoT
  • Artificial intelligence/Machine learning
  • Smart/intelligent fault detection 
  • Explainable sensory AI
  • Fault tracking, adaption, or interaction
  • Proactive maintenance

Prof. Dr. Chan-Yun Yang
Dr. Hooman Samani
Dr. Hiroharu Kawanaka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 6895 KiB  
Article
An Online Digital Imaging Excitation Sensor for Wind Turbine Gearbox Wear Condition Monitoring Based on Adaptive Deep Learning Method
by Hui Tao, Yong Zhong, Guo Yang and Wei Feng
Sensors 2024, 24(8), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24082481 - 12 Apr 2024
Viewed by 459
Abstract
This paper designed and developed an online digital imaging excitation sensor for wind power gearbox wear condition monitoring based on an adaptive deep learning method. A digital imaging excitation sensing image information collection architecture for magnetic particles in lubricating oil was established to [...] Read more.
This paper designed and developed an online digital imaging excitation sensor for wind power gearbox wear condition monitoring based on an adaptive deep learning method. A digital imaging excitation sensing image information collection architecture for magnetic particles in lubricating oil was established to characterize the wear condition of mechanical equipment, achieving the real-time online collection of wear particles in lubricating oil. On this basis, a mechanical equipment wear condition diagnosis method based on online wear particle images is proposed, obtaining data from an engineering test platform based on a wind power gearbox. Firstly, a foreground segmentation preprocessing method based on the U-Net network can effectively eliminate the interference of bubbles and dark fields in online wear particle images, providing high-quality segmentation results for subsequent image processing, A total of 1960 wear particle images were collected in the experiment, the average intersection union ratio of the validation set is 0.9299, and the accuracy of the validation set is 0.9799. Secondly, based on the foreground segmentation preprocessing of wear particle images, by using the watered algorithm to obtain the number of particles in each size segment, we obtained the number of magnetic particle grades in three different ranges: 4–38 µm, 39–70 µm, and >70 µm. Thirdly, we proposed a method named multidimensional transformer (MTF) network. Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) are used to obtain the error, and the maintenance strategy is formulated according to the predicted trend. The experimental results show that the predictive performance of our proposed model is better than that of LSTM and TCN. Finally, the online real-time monitoring system triggered three alarms, and at the same time, our offline sampling data analysis was conducted, the accuracy of online real-time monitoring alarms was verified, and the gearbox of the wind turbine was shut down for maintenance and repair. Full article
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12 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Centrifugal Pump Fault Detection with Convolutional Neural Network Transfer Learning
by Cem Ekin Sunal, Vladan Velisavljevic, Vladimir Dyo, Barry Newton and Jake Newton
Sensors 2024, 24(8), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24082442 - 11 Apr 2024
Viewed by 571
Abstract
The centrifugal pump is the workhorse of many industrial and domestic applications, such as water supply, wastewater treatment and heating. While modern pumps are reliable, their unexpected failures may jeopardise safety or lead to significant financial losses. Consequently, there is a strong demand [...] Read more.
The centrifugal pump is the workhorse of many industrial and domestic applications, such as water supply, wastewater treatment and heating. While modern pumps are reliable, their unexpected failures may jeopardise safety or lead to significant financial losses. Consequently, there is a strong demand for early fault diagnosis, detection and predictive monitoring systems. Most prior work on machine learning-based centrifugal pump fault detection is based on either synthetic data, simulations or data from test rigs in controlled laboratory conditions. In this research, we attempted to detect centrifugal pump faults using data collected from real operational pumps deployed in various places in collaboration with a specialist pump engineering company. The detection was done by the binary classification of visual features of DQ/Concordia patterns with residual networks. Besides using a real dataset, this study employed transfer learning from the image detection domain to systematically solve a real-life problem in the engineering domain. By feeding DQ image data into a popular and high-performance residual network (e.g., ResNet-34), the proposed approach achieved up to 85.51% classification accuracy. Full article
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20 pages, 4077 KiB  
Article
Remaining Useful Life Estimation of MoSi2 Heating Element in a Pusher Kiln Process
by Hafiz M. Irfan, Po-Hsuan Liao, Muhammad Ikhsan Taipabu and Wei Wu
Sensors 2024, 24(5), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24051486 - 24 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1121
Abstract
The critical challenge of estimating the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of MoSi2 heating elements utilized in pusher kiln processes is to enhance operational efficiency and minimize downtime in industrial applications. MoSi2 heating elements are integral components in high-temperature environments, playing a pivotal role [...] Read more.
The critical challenge of estimating the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of MoSi2 heating elements utilized in pusher kiln processes is to enhance operational efficiency and minimize downtime in industrial applications. MoSi2 heating elements are integral components in high-temperature environments, playing a pivotal role in achieving optimal thermal performance. However, prolonged exposure to extreme conditions leads to degradation, necessitating precise RUL predictions for proactive maintenance strategies. Since insufficient failure experience deals with Predictive Maintenance (PdM) in real-life scenarios, a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) generates specific training data as failure experiences. The Remaining Useful Life (RUL) is the duration of the equipment’s operation before repair or replacement, often measured in days, miles, or cycles. Machine learning models are trained using historical data encompassing various operational scenarios and degradation patterns. The RUL prediction model is determined through training, hyperparameter tuning, and comparisons based on the machine-learning model, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) or Support Vector Regression (SVR). As a result, SVR reflects the actual resistance variation, achieving the R-Square (R2) of 0.634, better than LSTM. From a safety perspective, SVR offers high prediction accuracy and sufficient time to schedule maintenance plans. Full article
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17 pages, 11061 KiB  
Article
Lightweight Transmission Line Fault Detection Method Based on Leaner YOLOv7-Tiny
by Qingyan Wang, Zhen Zhang, Qingguo Chen, Junping Zhang and Shouqiang Kang
Sensors 2024, 24(2), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24020565 - 16 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 742
Abstract
Aiming to address the issues of parameter complexity and high computational load in existing fault detection algorithms for transmission lines, which hinder their deployment on devices like drones, this study proposes a novel lightweight model called Leaner YOLOv7-Tiny. The primary goal is to [...] Read more.
Aiming to address the issues of parameter complexity and high computational load in existing fault detection algorithms for transmission lines, which hinder their deployment on devices like drones, this study proposes a novel lightweight model called Leaner YOLOv7-Tiny. The primary goal is to swiftly and accurately detect typical faults in transmission lines from aerial images. This algorithm inherits the ELAN structure from YOLOv7-Tiny network and replaces its backbone with depthwise separable convolutions to reduce model parameters. By integrating the SP attention mechanism, it fuses multi-scale information, capturing features across various scales to enhance small target recognition. Finally, an improved FCIoU Loss function is introduced to balance the contribution of high-quality and low-quality samples to the loss function, expediting model convergence and boosting detection accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate a 20% reduction in model size compared to the original YOLOv7-Tiny algorithm. Detection accuracy for small targets surpasses that of current mainstream lightweight object detection algorithms. This approach holds practical significance for transmission line fault detection. Full article
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20 pages, 14767 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Feature Detection and Matching in Low-Pixel-Resolution Hyperspectral Images Using 3D Convolution-Based Siamese Networks
by Chamika Janith Perera, Chinthaka Premachandra and Hiroharu Kawanaka
Sensors 2023, 23(18), 8004; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23188004 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2084
Abstract
Today, hyperspectral imaging plays an integral part in the remote sensing and precision agriculture field. Identifying the matching key points between hyperspectral images is an important step in tasks such as image registration, localization, object recognition, and object tracking. Low-pixel resolution hyperspectral imaging [...] Read more.
Today, hyperspectral imaging plays an integral part in the remote sensing and precision agriculture field. Identifying the matching key points between hyperspectral images is an important step in tasks such as image registration, localization, object recognition, and object tracking. Low-pixel resolution hyperspectral imaging is a recent introduction to the field, bringing benefits such as lower cost and form factor compared to traditional systems. However, the use of limited pixel resolution challenges even state-of-the-art feature detection and matching methods, leading to difficulties in generating robust feature matches for images with repeated textures, low textures, low sharpness, and low contrast. Moreover, the use of narrower optics in these cameras adds to the challenges during the feature-matching stage, particularly for images captured during low-altitude flight missions. In order to enhance the robustness of feature detection and matching in low pixel resolution images, in this study we propose a novel approach utilizing 3D Convolution-based Siamese networks. Compared to state-of-the-art methods, this approach takes advantage of all the spectral information available in hyperspectral imaging in order to filter out incorrect matches and produce a robust set of matches. The proposed method initially generates feature matches through a combination of Phase Stretch Transformation-based edge detection and SIFT features. Subsequently, a 3D Convolution-based Siamese network is utilized to filter out inaccurate matches, producing a highly accurate set of feature matches. Evaluation of the proposed method demonstrates its superiority over state-of-the-art approaches in cases where they fail to produce feature matches. Additionally, it competes effectively with the other evaluated methods when generating feature matches in low-pixel resolution hyperspectral images. This research contributes to the advancement of low pixel resolution hyperspectral imaging techniques, and we believe it can specifically aid in mosaic generation of low pixel resolution hyperspectral images. Full article
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16 pages, 5168 KiB  
Article
A Sensor-Fault-Estimation Method for Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles
by Tianyu Lan, Zhi-Wei Gao, Haishuang Yin and Yuanhong Liu
Sensors 2023, 23(18), 7737; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23187737 - 7 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136
Abstract
In recent years, electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries have developed rapidly, and the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries have been a paramount issue. Battery management systems are highly dependent on sensor measurements to ensure the proper functioning of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, [...] Read more.
In recent years, electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries have developed rapidly, and the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries have been a paramount issue. Battery management systems are highly dependent on sensor measurements to ensure the proper functioning of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a suitable fault diagnosis scheme for battery sensors, to realize a diagnosis at an early stage. The main objective of this paper is to establish validated electrical and thermal models for batteries, and address a model-based fault diagnosis scheme for battery sensors. Descriptor proportional and derivate observer systems are applied for sensor diagnosis, based on electrical and thermal models of lithium-ion batteries, which can realize the real-time estimation of voltage sensor fault, current sensor fault, and temperature sensor fault. To verify the estimation effect of the proposed scheme, various types of faults are utilized for simulation experiments. Battery experimental data are used for battery modeling and observer-based fault diagnosis in battery sensors. Full article
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19 pages, 3500 KiB  
Article
A Novel Cross-Sensor Transfer Diagnosis Method with Local Attention Mechanism: Applied in a Reciprocating Pump
by Chen Wang, Ling Chen, Yongfa Zhang, Liming Zhang and Tian Tan
Sensors 2023, 23(17), 7432; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23177432 - 25 Aug 2023
Viewed by 742
Abstract
Data-driven mechanical fault diagnosis has been successfully developed in recent years, and the task of training and testing data from the same distribution has been well-solved. However, for some large machines with complex mechanical structures, such as reciprocating pumps, it is often not [...] Read more.
Data-driven mechanical fault diagnosis has been successfully developed in recent years, and the task of training and testing data from the same distribution has been well-solved. However, for some large machines with complex mechanical structures, such as reciprocating pumps, it is often not possible to obtain data from specific sensor locations. When the sensor position is changed, the distribution of the features of the signal data also changes and the fault diagnosis problem becomes more complicated. In this paper, a cross-sensor transfer diagnosis method is proposed, which utilizes the sharing of information collected by sensors between different locations of the machine to complete a more accurate and comprehensive fault diagnosis. To enhance the model’s perception ability towards the critical part of the fault signal, the local attention mechanism is embedded into the proposed method. Finally, the proposed method is validated by applying it to experimentally acquired vibration signal data of reciprocating pumps. Excellent performance is demonstrated in terms of fault diagnosis accuracy and sensor generalization capability. The transferability of practical industrial faults among different sensors is confirmed. Full article
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18 pages, 3952 KiB  
Article
Research on the Influence of Geometric Structure Parameters of Eddy Current Testing Probe on Sensor Resolution
by Mengmeng Song, Mengwei Li, Shungen Xiao and Jihua Ren
Sensors 2023, 23(14), 6610; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23146610 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 966
Abstract
To study the influence of the geometric structure of the probe coil on the electromagnetic characteristics of the eddy current probe in the process of eddy current testing, based on the principle of eddy current testing, different probe coil models were established using [...] Read more.
To study the influence of the geometric structure of the probe coil on the electromagnetic characteristics of the eddy current probe in the process of eddy current testing, based on the principle of eddy current testing, different probe coil models were established using finite element software. These geometric structure parameters include the difference between the inner and outer radius, thickness, and equivalent radius. The magnetic field distribution around the probe is simulated and analyzed under different parameters, and the detection performance of the probe is judged in combination with the change rate of the magnetic field around the probe coil. The simulation results show that at a closer position, increasing the difference between the inner and outer radii, reducing the thickness, and reducing the equivalent radius are beneficial to improve the resolution of the probe coil. At a far position, reducing the difference between the inner and outer radii, increasing the thickness, and reducing the equivalent radius are beneficial to improve the resolution of the probe coil. At the same time, the accuracy of the simulation data is verified by comparing the theoretical values with the simulated values under different conditions. Therefore, the obtained conclusions can provide a reference and basis for the optimal design of the probe structure. Full article
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