Turbulence Sensor for Compressor Flow Velocity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring turbulence in turbomachine compressors are complex, costly, and inefficient, limiting their ability to accurately predict operating safety margins and stability, particularly due to the integration challenges of sensors and wiring within the compressor's structure.
Innovation Solution
A turbulence measurement system comprising multiple pressure sensors and inlets angled relative to each other, integrated into a one-piece body, capable of measuring total and static pressure, and oriented to capture flow velocity components in axial, radial, and circumferential directions, allowing for precise estimation of flow disturbances and fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are distributed at different axially spaced locations to measure turbulence, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to wiring and housing construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure sensors and their housings into a single integrated sensor assembly located at one axial position in the compressor inlet. This merging approach maintains the capability to measure multiple flow components (axial, radial, circumferential) while eliminating the wiring and housing complexity associated with distributing sensors across multiple axial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of distributing sensors along the axial dimension, the patent arranges sensor inlets in different spatial orientations (radial, axial, circumferential directions) at a single location. This dimensional reorganization allows comprehensive turbulence measurement without the complexity of axial distribution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors and housings are integrated into the compressor, then turbulence measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor housings and pressure sensors into a single manufactured component or assembly, simplifying production. Instead of installing separate housings and wiring multiple sensors at different locations, the integrated design allows for simpler manufacturing and installation processes while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Loss of information
If sensors are distributed at different axial locations to capture flow disturbances, then measurement completeness is improved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple measurement functions into a single sensor assembly located at the compressor inlet. This integration maintains comprehensive flow information capture by measuring axial, radial, and circumferential velocity components simultaneously at one location, while greatly simplifying installation and maintenance operations.
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
Enables rapid and accurate measurement of flow velocity components, allowing for timely and effective implementation of surge and stall corrective methods by providing detailed insights into flow orientation fluctuations, thereby enhancing compressor stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first housing, the first sensor and the first inlet are configured to be able to measure the total pressure of the flow. The second housing, the second sensor and the second inlet are configured to be able to measure the static pressure of the gas flow.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a compressor equipped with a turbulence measurement system for a turbomachine flow (18), particularly a turbomachine compressor. The system (30) comprises: a first housing (47) with a first pressure sensor (52) and a first inlet (48); a second housing (54) with a second pressure sensor (58) and a second inlet (56) inclined relative to the first inlet (48), and a temperature sensor (53). The system (30) is configured to calculate at least two components of the flow velocity based on the pressure sensors (52; 58) and the temperature sensor (53). The inlets are located at the blade root, on the leading edge at the level of an internal ferrule.