Gas Turbine Particulate Sensor System for Accurate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft gas turbine engines lack the capability to differentiate between types, quantities, and sizes of particulate matter accumulating within them, which can affect performance and lead to adverse effects on engine components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple particulate sensors and a processor that determine the type, quantity, and size of particulate matter at various locations within the engine, comparing this data to threshold values to generate alerts and initiate corrective actions, such as altering engine speed or bypassing particulate-laden air, to prevent further accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple particulate sensors and a processor are added to detect and differentiate particulate matter, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple segments by deploying several particulate sensors at different locations within the engine (intake, compressor, turbine sections). Each sensor independently monitors its local zone, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to achieve comprehensive, precise particulate detection throughout the entire engine system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw signals from multiple particulate sensors, processes and differentiates the particulate matter types, quantities, and sizes, and generates actionable outputs. This intermediary component enables the system to transform complex multi-sensor data into precise particulate characterization without requiring direct complex interactions between sensors.
2Reliability
If real-time particulate monitoring is implemented at multiple locations, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements monitoring at multiple strategic locations (intake, compressor, turbine) rather than continuously throughout the entire engine at all times. The processor analyzes sensor signals and focuses computational resources on detecting significant particulate events, using partial action to maintain reliability while reducing overall energy consumption compared to exhaustive continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor receives real-time signals from particulate sensors and provides feedback by generating alerts when particulate accumulation reaches concerning levels. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high reliability by promptly responding to actual particulate threats while avoiding continuous high-energy operation, as the system only activates full monitoring and alerting functions when particulate presence is detected.
3Measurement precision
If the system differentiates between types, quantities, and sizes of particulate, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor segments the analysis of particulate characteristics by handling different parameters (type, quantity, size) through distinct processing pathways. Each sensor signal is independently analyzed for these separate characteristics, allowing the system to achieve precise multi-dimensional particulate characterization while managing complexity through structured, modular signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different processing approaches to different sensor locations based on local conditions. Sensors positioned at different engine sections (intake vs. turbine) may require different analysis methods tailored to their specific environmental contexts, enabling precise local particulate characterization while optimizing the overall system architecture for each location's unique requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for determining particulate accumulation in a gas turbine engine includes sensing the number, size, and type of particulate at a first position on the gas turbine engine and supplying first data representative thereof, where the first position located at a first side of a gas turbine engine component; sensing the number, size, and type of particulate at a second position on the gas turbine engine and supplying first data representative thereof, where the second position located at a second side of the gas turbine engine component and downstream of the first position; and processing the first data and the second data to determine the mass of the particulate accumulated on the gas turbine engine component.