Removable Compressor Casing Sensor Assembly for Baseline Turbine Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing and validation of gas turbines are time-consuming, expensive, and risk damage due to invasive coupling of measurement systems, which often require disassembly of the turbines and introduction of holes in the casings.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system with a sensor assembly that can be removably inserted within a circumferential track embedded in the inner diameter of the gas turbine engine casing, allowing for baseline data acquisition without disassembly or shutdown of the engine, using a single port for insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive coupling methods are used to install measurement systems, then measurement data can be obtained, but the gas turbine requires disassembly and holes must be introduced in the casings, increasing complexity and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate modular components: a sensor assembly that can be independently inserted and removed, and a casing with an integrated circumferential track. This segmentation allows the sensor assembly to be installed without disassembling the casing, eliminating the need for holes or complex modifications while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If invasive coupling methods are used to install measurement systems, then measurement data can be obtained, but the risk of damage to the gas turbine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential track embedded in the casing serves as an intermediary structure that receives and guides the sensor assembly. This track provides a dedicated, non-invasive pathway for sensor installation, eliminating the need to drill holes or modify the casing, thereby reducing the risk of damage while enabling measurement data collection.
3Loss of information
If measurement systems are installed using traditional methods, then baseline data can be collected, but the gas turbine must be shut down and disassembled, increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential track is pre-installed and integrated into the casing design, creating a ready-made receptacle for the sensor assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the sensor assembly to be quickly inserted without requiring disassembly or shutdown of the gas turbine, significantly reducing installation time and cost while enabling baseline data collection.
4Productivity
If removable sensor assemblies are inserted through the inner diameter of the casing, then rapid data collection is enabled, but a circumferential track must be embedded in the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential track is merged with the casing as an integrated component, where the track and casing form a unified structure. This merging allows the sensor assembly to be rapidly inserted and removed through the inner diameter for quick data collection, while the track-casing integration minimizes additional manufacturing steps compared to separate installation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system for a gas turbine engine is provided. The measurement system comprises a sensor assembly. The measurement system also includes multiple sensors coupled to the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to be removably inserted within a space defined by a circumferential track embedded within an inner diameter of a casing of the gas turbine engine without having to disassemble the casing.