# Application of the Residue Method in Steam Superheater Fault Detection
## 5 Conclusions  
The research proposes a method of fault detection and localization for steam superheaters in thermal power plants that can be implemented without additional equipment. The method combines mathematical models of power plants with the residual generator method, resulting in an algorithm that provides fast solutions in case of failures at different points of steam superheaters. The experiments were carried out considering a faulty execution element, but the proposed method can be extended to other cases of faults. One of the significant advantages of the proposed method is that it detects and localizes faults based on real-time information from measured process variables. This system is easy to implement and has provided several benefits, including detecting errors in airflow control modules, highlighting steam temperature measurement problems, detecting accuracy issues on steam flow measurements, and displaying the controller output. Methods of fault detection and location for steam superheaters in the thermal power plant were verified using mathematical models developed in MATLAB Simulink and an electronic simulator. The real-time acquisition and regulation systems mentioned above were beneficial in this process. The simulator was used to study the natural response to the action of disturbances and the possibilities of compensating the effect of the fault on the system. In addition, this paper studies an automatic steam temperature control structure. Using a software model of the superheater, the electronic simulator, the PC system, and the analog input-output data acquisition system, it was possible to consider the delays and noises occurring on the information transmission channels between the process and the digital control equipment. This simulator was used to develop fault detection and localization programs for execution elements (EE), aiming at the concrete application of fault detection and localization methods using the residual generator on a real process while at the same time making an analogy with equivalent industrial plants in thermal power engineering. The proposed method of fault detection and localization for steam superheaters in thermal power plants has several advantages, but it is essential to consider the potential disadvantages of this method. The number of residuals that can be defined in this method is limited to the measurable process variables. As a result, the defects that can be detected directly depend on the number of residuals. However, this apparent disadvantage can be mitigated with additional processing. By analyzing the distinct possible combinations of \"0\" and \"1\" in the residual vector columns, it may be possible to detect other defects. This information is critical to keep in mind while implementing the proposed method. The approach outlined in this paper has the potential to facilitate the development of a sophisticated multi-level laboratory monitoring platform in the future. By integrating existing laboratory platforms into a centralized structure that incorporates defect monitoring, detection, and localization, this platform could offer a comprehensive solution for monitoring multiple laboratory processes. Furthermore, this structure could be extended to create integrated software products suitable for use in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or process computers, making it a versatile tool with broad industrial applications. Conceptualization, C.A.M., V.M.R. and C.F.P. ; methodology, C.A.M. ; software, C.A.M. and V.M.R. ; validation, C.A.M., V.M.R. and C.F.P. ; formal analysis, C.A.M. ; investigation, C.A.M. and V.M.R. ; resources, V.M.R. and C.F.P. ; data curation, C.A.M. ; writing--original draft preparation, C.A.M. and V.M.R. ; writing--review and editing, C.F.P. ; visualization, C.F.P. ; supervision, C.A.M. ; project administration, C.A.M., V.M.R. and C.F.P. ; funding acquisition, V.M.R. and C.F.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This research received no external funding. Not applicable.