Fiber-Optic Thrust Load Measurement for Gas Turbine Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring bearing thrust loads in gas turbine engines are cumbersome, prone to errors due to incorrect wire connections, and require complex temperature compensation, leading to potential signal loss and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic based thrust measurement system that uses sensors with grating elements to detect parameters like strain, pressure, and temperature by analyzing shifts in light wavelength, eliminating the need for reworking bearing surfaces and reducing electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gages are secured to bearing races using traditional methods, then thrust load measurement capability is achieved, but bearing surface rework and calibration time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical strain gage systems with an optical fiber sensing system. The optical fiber sensor uses light wavelength shifts to measure bearing housing deformation and thrust loads, eliminating the need for mechanical strain gages that require surface preparation and calibration. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing accurate measurement without time-consuming installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from electrical resistance change (traditional strain gages) to optical wavelength shift. The optical fiber sensor detects thrust loads through wavelength shifts in reflected light, which are caused by bearing housing deformation. This parameter change eliminates calibration requirements and surface rework while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If leadout wires are routed through static structures to power source and measurement circuit, then electrical connection is established, but wire connection errors and signal loss risk are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical leadout wires with optical fiber cables for signal transmission. The optical fiber system transmits measurement data through light signals, eliminating the risks of incorrect wire connections and electrical signal loss. This substitution improves reliability while maintaining ease of operation, as optical fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference and connection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an optical coupler as an intermediary device that regulates light signals between the light source and the fiber optic sensor. This intermediary ensures proper signal transmission without the connection errors associated with electrical wires, thereby improving signal transmission reliability while simplifying the connection process.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are mounted in the region of strain gages to compensate for temperature effects, then temperature compensation is achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber sensor multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously measure both thrust loads and temperature. The same optical fiber sensor detects wavelength shifts caused by both mechanical deformation (thrust load) and thermal expansion (temperature), eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the temperature sensing function with the thrust load measurement function into a single optical fiber sensor system. By combining these functions, the patent reduces the number of components and simplifies installation while maintaining accurate temperature compensation for thrust load measurements.
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 solution provides accurate, real-time monitoring of bearing health, reducing the risk of failure and associated downtime, while being easier and less costly to install compared to traditional strain gage systems.
Implementation Method 1
determining one or more parameters related to the bearing housing comprising temperature, strain, pressure, vibration, or combinations thereof based on shift in wavelength of light reflected from the fiber optic sensors
Implementation Method 2
an optical coupler configured to regulate light signals emitted from a light source and light signals reflected from the fiber optic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-optic based thrust load measurement system is coupled to a bearing housing. The measurement system includes at least one fiber optic sensor configured to detect one or more parameters related to the bearing housing. An optical coupler is configured to regulate light signals emitted from a light source and light signals reflected from the fiber optic sensor. A detector system is configured to receive light signals from the optical coupler. A processor is configured to receive an output from the detector system and to determine a thrust load on a thrust bearing based on the detected one or more parameters related to the bearing housing.