Gas Turbine Control via Observer-Based Temperature Estimation

The patent introduces an observer module as an intermediary computational system that processes measurements from existing thermocouples and other sensors (pressure, flow, power) to infer combustion chamber temperature in real-time. This mathematical observer acts as a mediator between the slow thermocouple measurements and the fast control response needed, providing accurate temperature estimation without requiring direct physical contact in the combustion chamber.

The patent replaces the purely mechanical/physical thermocouple measurement system with a hybrid system that uses computational algorithms (observer modules) to substitute for direct temperature measurement. Instead of relying solely on physical thermocouple response, the system uses mathematical models and multiple sensor inputs to compute temperature, thereby eliminating the bottleneck of thermocouple response time.

The patent makes the existing temperature transducers (thermocouples) multi-functional by using them not only for direct temperature measurement but also as input signals for the observer module that estimates combustion chamber temperature. This universal use of existing sensors eliminates the need for additional transducers inside the combustion chamber while achieving fast temperature detection through computational inference.

The patent creates a computational copy or model of the combustion chamber temperature using observer modules that process data from existing sensors. Instead of physically placing transducers in the harsh combustion environment, the system creates a virtual temperature signal through mathematical modeling, avoiding the complexity and reliability issues of physical installation inside the combustion chamber.