Optical Monitoring of Gas Turbine Combustor Temperature and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-line monitoring of gas turbine combustor sections, particularly transition components, faces challenges due to localized temperature and vibration measurements from embedded instruments, which are susceptible to damage from high-pressure and temperature conditions, limiting their reliability and requiring frequent shutdowns for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An externally mounted optical monitoring system using a custom man way cover with an optical window, equipped with optical cameras that capture images of the combustor section, allowing for composite image formation and remote temperature and vibration monitoring without altering the housing structure, utilizing both infrared and visible light cameras with a shared optical path and automated motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If embedded temperature and vibration monitoring instruments are installed within the combustor section, then local temperature and vibration characteristics can be determined, but the instruments are susceptible to damage from hot pressurized combustion gases, reducing reliability and requiring frequent shutdowns for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical window as an intermediary medium that allows optical instruments to measure temperature and vibration characteristics of combustor components without being physically exposed to the harsh combustion environment. The optical window transmits optical signals while isolating the measurement instruments from hot pressurized combustion gases, thereby maintaining both measurement capability and instrument reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional embedded mechanical/electrical instruments (thermocouples, accelerometers, pressure transducers) with optical measurement systems. Optical instruments mounted externally use light transmission through the optical window to detect temperature and vibration characteristics, eliminating the need for physical embedding of instruments within the combustor section and avoiding damage from combustion gases
2Measurement precision
If thermocouple arrays are used to monitor temperature, then localized temperature information can be obtained at discrete locations, but the information cannot be extrapolated to determine temperature conditions in other combustor locations without additional thermocouples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical instruments that can capture temperature information across the entire field of view through the optical window, allowing a single measurement system to provide temperature distribution data for multiple combustor locations simultaneously. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple discrete thermocouples at different locations while comprehensively monitoring temperature conditions throughout the combustor section
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based temperature measurement (thermocouples at discrete locations) to area-based temperature mapping using optical instruments. By capturing temperature distribution across the entire field of view, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the measurement, enabling comprehensive temperature monitoring of the combustor section from a single external location
3Loss of information
If multiple instruments are embedded within the combustor section to monitor different locations, then comprehensive temperature and vibration data can be collected, but the complexity of the system increases and requires engine shutdown for instrument removal or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement instruments from the combustor section interior and relocates them to external mounting positions. The optical window serves as a transmission interface, allowing external instruments to measure internal combustor conditions without being physically present within the combustion environment. This extraction simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex embedded instrument installations and facilitates easy maintenance without engine shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (temperature monitoring, vibration analysis) into a single external optical instrument system. By integrating these functions in one externally mounted system rather than distributing multiple separate instruments within the combustor, the overall system complexity is reduced while maintaining comprehensive monitoring 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
Enables reliable, continuous monitoring of temperature and vibration distributions along the combustor section, reducing the risk of instrument damage and enabling longer operational periods without shutdowns, while providing comprehensive visual and thermal inspection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
both infrared and visible light cameras with a shared optical path
Implementation Method 2
A replacement man way cover having an optical window is mounted to the combustor housing. One or more optical cameras are oriented external the combustor housing, so that the camera field of view (FOV) is oriented through the man way cover optical window
Data Source
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AI summary
An on line optical inspection and monitoring system is externally mounted to existing man way service access within the combustor housing. A replacement man way cover having an optical window is mounted to the combustor housing. One or more optical cameras are oriented so that the camera field of view (FOV) is directed through the man way cover optical window. The camera FOV is moved to plural positions within the combustion section, such as under control of an automated motion control system, and images are captured. Multiple images are combined to form a composite image, which may include an image of an entire transition within the combustion section. Visual images and/or infrared (IR) thermal images may be captured. Thermal image information is correlated with component temperature. Image information is utilized to determine vibration characteristics of the imaged components