Airfoil Temperature Sensor With Heated Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine total air temperature sensors face challenges in accurately measuring air temperature due to exposure to high Mach numbers, icing conditions, and debris, which can lead to measurement errors and sensor damage.
Innovation Solution
A total air temperature sensor design featuring heated airfoils with a sensor chamber and sheath configuration that directs heated air flow around the temperature sensor, while allowing ambient air to be measured, and includes an asymmetrical airfoil shape to constrain the boundary layer of heated air and prevent water droplets from entering the sensor chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the airfoil surface is heated to prevent ice accumulation, then ice protection is improved, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to heated air flow impacting the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil is divided into distinct functional zones: a heated first surface for ice protection and an unheated second surface for accurate temperature measurement. The sensor chamber is positioned to receive air flow primarily from the unheated surface, separating the heating function from the measurement function to eliminate thermal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the airfoil are assigned different thermal properties: the first surface is heated to prevent ice accumulation, while the second surface remains unheated to provide accurate temperature measurements. This local differentiation allows simultaneous ice protection and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is exposed to ambient air flow for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to water droplets, debris, and icing
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is nested within a protective sensor chamber that is itself positioned within the airfoil structure. The sheath surrounding the sensor provides an additional protective layer. This nested configuration allows the sensor to access ambient air for measurement while being shielded from water droplets, debris, and ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the ambient air flow and the temperature sensor. It allows air to pass through for measurement while blocking harmful substances like water droplets and debris from directly contacting the sensor. The sheath provides an additional intermediary protective layer.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sheath is added to protect the sensor, then sensor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the sensor from water droplets and debris, directs ambient air flow to the sensor for accurate measurement, and integrates with the airfoil structure. The sheath provides both mechanical protection and thermal isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 design reduces temperature-induced errors and protects the sensor from ice and water, ensuring accurate temperature measurements and extending the sensor's operational lifespan by isolating the heated air flow and preventing debris impact.
Implementation Method 1
constraining a boundary layer of heated air along the at least one heated airfoil such that the boundary layer passes through the flow channel without impacting the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor located within the chamber downstream of the mouth
Data Source
AI summary
A total air temperature sensor can include a first airfoil having a heated first surface, a second airfoil having a second surface spaced from the first surface and defining a sensor chamber, a temperature sensor located within the chamber, and a sheath surrounding the temperature sensor.