Acoustic Interference Gas Turbine Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement methods in gas turbines, such as sensors and thermocouples, are prone to degradation and failure due to extreme high temperatures, leading to inaccurate and unreliable readings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves directing two acoustic signals of different lengths through a gas path in a gas turbine, creating a combined signal where one signal cancels out the other, allowing for accurate temperature determination based on the resulting interference pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors and thermocouples are used to measure temperature in gas turbines, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the components are exposed to extreme high temperatures causing degradation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure temperature without direct physical contact with the hot gas path. The acoustic waves travel through the gas path and their speed is affected by temperature, allowing indirect measurement that avoids component exposure to extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/thermal sensing components (sensors and thermocouples) with an acoustic field-based measurement system. Instead of using physical contact methods that degrade in high heat, the system uses acoustic wave propagation characteristics to determine temperature
2Reliability
If acoustic signals are used to measure temperature, then component reliability is improved by avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, but measurement precision must be maintained in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibrations traveling through the gas path to measure temperature. By analyzing the vibration characteristics (speed of sound) of the acoustic waves, the system can determine temperature with high precision while the acoustic waves themselves are not affected by the harsh thermal environment in the same way physical sensors are
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures temperature by detecting changes in the speed of acoustic wave propagation through the gas path. The speed of sound is a parameter that changes with temperature, and by monitoring this change, the system achieves accurate temperature measurement without direct thermal contact
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides increased accuracy in measuring high temperatures, enabling improved control and management of gas turbine components by correlating the frequency of the combined signal with temperature.
Implementation Method 1
combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, where a portion of the first acoustic signal cancels out a portion of the second acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine are disclosed. The method can include directing a first acoustic signal towards a gas path in a turbine; directing a second acoustic signal towards the gas path in the turbine; receiving the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal at a downstream gas path location; combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, where a portion of the first acoustic signal cancels out a portion of the second acoustic signal; and determining a temperature of the gas path based at least in part on the combined acoustic signal.