Integrated Sensor Head Combining Interferometry and Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fiber optic interferometry sensors used for combustion monitoring are limited in their ability to determine additional spectral-based combustion characteristics, such as flame quality and fuel contamination, and are also limited under high temperature conditions, requiring multiple penetration points into the combustion chamber.
Innovation Solution
The integration of spectral sensing components, including a spectrometer and additional optical fibers, into a fiber optic interferometry sensor allows for the determination of additional combustion characteristics like flame temperature, flame quality, and fuel contaminants, while requiring only a single penetration point into the combustion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fiber optic interferometry sensors are used for combustion monitoring, then pressure and temperature measurements can be obtained, but spectral-based combustion characteristics such as flame quality and fuel contamination cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines interferometric sensing components and spectral sensing components into a single integrated sensor head. The sensor head includes both interferometric sensors for pressure/temperature measurement and spectral sensors for flame quality and contaminant detection, allowing multiple measurement capabilities to be achieved through one unified device that penetrates the combustion chamber at a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor head performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures pressure, temperature, flame quality, and fuel contaminants using both interferometric and spectral sensing technologies. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors and multiple penetration points, making the system universally applicable for comprehensive combustion monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are deployed at numerous locations in the combustion chamber to determine additional combustion characteristics, then comprehensive combustion monitoring is achieved, but multiple penetrations through the combustion chamber liner and casing are required which weaken the wall structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single sensor head that can be installed through one penetration point in the combustion chamber liner. This eliminates the need for multiple separate penetrations that would compromise the structural integrity of the combustion chamber wall, while still providing comprehensive combustion monitoring capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple penetration sites for different sensors are configured, then diverse combustion measurements can be obtained, but the system becomes more expensive to manufacture, maintain and configure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates interferometric and spectral sensing components into a single sensor head assembly that requires only one penetration point for installation. This reduces manufacturing complexity, lowers installation costs, and simplifies maintenance procedures compared to systems requiring multiple separate sensors and penetration sites, while maintaining diverse combustion measurement capabilities.
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 approach enables comprehensive combustion monitoring by providing both interferometric and spectral data from a single sensor head, enhancing the accuracy and diversity of measured combustion characteristics without compromising the structural integrity of the combustion chamber.
Implementation Method 1
An interferometer coupled to the fiber optic interferometry sensor may process interference patterns associated with the reflected light to determine differences in optical path lengths
Implementation Method 2
Spectrometric techniques may be used to determine an intensity of light as a function of wavelength or frequency and may measure ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation emitted by a combustion reaction
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for determining interferometric data and spectral data associated with combustion conditions of a flame in a combustion chamber using a sensor head including a first vacuum cavity, a diaphragm operatively interfaced to an inner portion of the combustion chamber, and an optical sensor interrogator configured on a computing device and coupled to the sensor head via optical fibers. The optical sensor interrogator including an interferometer configured to determine interferometric data associated with the flame based on light transmitted and reflected via a first optical fiber and a spectrometer configured to determine spectral data associated with the flame based on light transmitted via a second optical fiber.