Concentric Probe for Gas Turbine Inlet Distortion Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pitot probes used to measure inlet distortion in gas turbines often require multiple sensors for accurate readings across varying airspeeds, leading to data offsets due to slight differences in pressure measurement locations, which can result in imbalanced compressor operation and potential failure if distortion is significant.
Innovation Solution
A concentric probe design with an outer and inner shroud, where the inner shroud is brazed to the outer shroud, creating an annulus and plenum for fluid communication, and a transducer within the inner shroud, allowing for precise pressure measurement at the same location, reducing data offsets and enabling accurate distortion measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a double-barreled probe is used with two sensors placed adjacent to one another, then both steady-state and high-frequency pressure readings can be obtained, but the sensors measure pressure at slightly different locations creating data offsets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a concentric probe design where an inner shroud is nested within an outer shroud, both sharing a common bore axis. The inner shroud houses the high-frequency pressure transducer while the outer shroud contains the steady-state sensor. This nested arrangement ensures both sensors measure pressure at the exact same location in the inlet flow, eliminating the data offsets that occur with side-by-side double-barreled probes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure pressure at the same location, then accurate distortion measurements can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate probe functions into a single integrated concentric probe structure. The inner and outer shrouds are brazed together to form a unified assembly that houses both the high-frequency and steady-state pressure sensors. This combined design eliminates the need for separate probe assemblies and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures both high-frequency and steady-state pressure, provides distortion measurement capability, and maintains a compact form factor. The single probe structure performs what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors or probe assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pitot probes are used, then inlet distortion can be measured, but accurate readings across varying airspeeds require multiple sensor types that are difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric probe is designed as a modular assembly with an inner shroud, outer shroud, and transducer components that can be independently accessed and replaced. The inner shroud can be removed from the outer shroud to access the high-frequency transducer, and the outer shroud can be accessed for steady-state sensor maintenance. This segmented design allows individual components to be serviced without replacing the entire probe assembly, improving ease of repair while maintaining versatility across airspeed ranges.
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
The concentric probe design provides accurate and reliable inlet distortion measurements by ensuring that both steady-state and high-frequency sensors measure pressure at the same location, reducing the risk of compressor imbalance and failure, while also allowing for cost-effective maintenance and repair of individual probes.
Implementation Method 1
an inner shroud located within the outer shroud and having a bore that extends through the inner shroud, the inner shroud joined to the outer shroud via brazing
Implementation Method 2
a plenum defined by a space between the inner shroud and the wall of the bore of the outer shroud, the plenum being in fluid communication with the annulus
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a concentric probe includes an outer shroud having a bore that extends through the outer shroud, an inner shroud located within the outer shroud and having a bore that extends through the inner shroud, the inner shroud joined to the outer shroud via brazing, an annulus defined by a space between the inner shroud and a wall of the bore of the outer shroud, a plenum defined by a space between the inner shroud and the wall of the bore of the outer shroud, the plenum being in fluid communication with the annulus, and a transducer disposed within inner shroud.