Flush-Mount Probe with Flow Straightening for Gas Turbine Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently measuring static pressure and total temperature due to probe size, weight, and positioning, which can disrupt fluid flow and affect measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mount combined static pressure and temperature probe is designed with a probe head, a probe tip extending from the head with a sensor face in fluidic communication, a pressure channel, a pressure sensor, a temperature channel with a temperature orifice and exit port, and a temperature sensor. The temperature channel is parallel and fluidly separate from the pressure channel, allowing for accurate measurement without flow disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe is used to measure static pressure and total temperature, then measurement capability is provided, but the probe occupies space and adds weight to the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both static pressure and total temperature measurement functions into a single integrated probe assembly. The probe head contains both a pressure sensing port and a temperature sensing port, allowing simultaneous measurement of both parameters at the same location without requiring separate probes, thereby reducing overall weight and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly serves multiple functions: it measures both static pressure and total temperature, and also provides flow straightening functionality through its specially designed head geometry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components, reducing weight and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the probe positioning is optimized for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the probe disrupts the flow of the working fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head incorporates flow straightening features that pre-condition the flow before it reaches the sensing ports. The streamlined geometry and flow straightening elements reduce turbulence and flow distortion upstream of the measurement points, ensuring accurate measurements while minimizing disruption to the overall fluid flow in the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe head is designed with different local geometries optimized for specific functions: the upstream portion features flow straightening elements to condition the flow, while the sensing ports are positioned and shaped to minimize their individual impact on flow. This localized optimization allows accurate measurement without significant flow disruption.
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 solution enables accurate measurement of static pressure and total temperature in gas turbine engines without protruding into the flowpath, minimizing flow disturbances and improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature channel is configured to channel air from the temperature orifice to the at least one exit port
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure in the pressure channel
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature in the temperature channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe includes a probe head (52), a probe tip (54) extending from the probe head and having a sensor face (56) in fluidic communication with a first fluid stream, a pressure channel (62) extending into the probe tip (54) through the sensor face (56) with a pressure sensor (58) that senses pressure in the pressure channel (62), and a temperature channel (64) extending into the probe tip (54) through the sensor face (56). The temperature channel (64) is parallel to and fluidly separate from the pressure channel (62) and includes a temperature sensor (60) that senses temperature in the temperature channel (64). The temperature channel (64) directs fluid flow from a temperature orifice (65) on the sensor face (56) to at least one exit port (70) distal from the sensor face (56), thereby discharging fluid flow into a second fluid stream.