Dynamic Fiber Temperature Sensor Package for Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engine temperature measurement technologies, such as thermocouples, have limited thermal response rates and are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, while fiber optic sensors face flow sensitivity issues, making it difficult to accurately measure dynamic temperatures in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic fiber temperature sensing package is developed, comprising a low-heat conductive holder tube and a high-heat conductive sheath, with a fiber optic temperature sensor positioned within the sheath, allowing for improved thermal response rates and protection from drag forces, enabling more accurate dynamic temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermocouples are heavily packaged to survive hot gas path environments, then reliability is improved, but thermal response rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is divided into two functional segments: a holder tube for mechanical support and a sheath for thermal conduction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the holder tube provides structural protection while the sheath ensures thermal response.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the packaging have different thermal conductivity properties. The holder tube uses material with first thermal conductivity (lower) for mechanical stability, while the sheath uses material with second thermal conductivity (higher) for thermal response. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and thermal response.
2Reliability
If thermocouples are heavily packaged to survive hot gas path environments, then reliability is improved, but susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermocouple mechanical structure with a fiber optic sensor system. This substitution eliminates the metal components susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement while maintaining the ability to measure temperature in harsh environments through optical sensing.
3Reliability
If fiber optic sensors are packaged for survival in harsh environments, then reliability is improved, but flow sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure provides localized protection: the holder tube offers mechanical protection and positioning, while the sheath provides thermal conduction path. This local differentiation allows the sensor to survive harsh environments while maintaining flow sensitivity for accurate dynamic temperature measurement.
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 package achieves thermal response rates of up to 350° F./second and frequencies of 100 Hz to 1000 Hz, enhancing prognostic health management and efficiency of turbine engines by providing precise temperature data for optimal operation and extended component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The holder includes a material having a first thermal conductivity and the sheath includes a material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic fiber temperature sensing package is provided herein. The sensing package includes a support structure, a holder coupled to the support structure, a sheath coupled to the support structure via the holder, and a fiber optic temperature sensor positioned within the sheath. The holder includes a material having a first thermal conductivity and the sheath includes a material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity.