Method and system for detecting failure in an array of thermocouples connected in parallel

A system for detecting failure in an array of thermocouples, the system comprising:

• a processing unit;
• and
• a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions executable by the processing unit for:
• during an operation mode of the array of thermocouples, measuring a voltage V across the array of thermocouples, the voltage V associated with a temperature T;
• during a failure detection mode of the array of thermocouples, shunting the array of thermocouples, the shunting comprising activating an electrical switch connecting a resistive element in series with the array of thermocouples connected in parallel upon initiation of the failure detection mode, and measuring a shunt voltage Vs occurring across the resistive element connected in series with the array of thermocouples;
• comparing the shunt voltage Vs to an expected shunt voltage Vs_exp for the array of thermocouples at the temperature T;
• and
• generating a failure signal indicative of a detected failure in the array of thermocouples when the shunt voltage Vs deviates from the expected shunt voltage Vs_exp by more than a deviation threshold.

A circuit comprising:

• an array of thermocouples connected in parallel and defining a first terminal and a second terminal for measurement of a voltage V thereacross, the voltage V associated with a temperature T;
• a resistive element connected in series between the first terminal and a third terminal;
• a shunting device connectable across the second terminal and the third terminal, the shunting device connecting the resistive element in series with the array of thermocouples connected in parallel;
• and
• a controller operatively coupled to the circuit for selective operation thereof in an operation mode and in a failure detection mode.