Optical Filter Combustor Temperature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pyrometry systems in gas turbine engines face interference from combustion products, limiting their ability to provide accurate two-dimensional temperature measurements due to absorption and emission of radiation within detectable wavelength ranges, making it difficult to monitor interior surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical monitoring system with an optical filter configured to block broad wavelength band thermal radiation emitted or absorbed by flames and exhaust gases, outputting narrow wavelength band radiation for a detector array to generate a two-dimensional intensity map, which is then used to create a temperature map and control combustion parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a two-dimensional detector array is used to monitor surfaces within the combustor, then spatial resolution and measurement coverage are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from combustion products absorbing and emitting radiation within the detectable wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter by using an optical filter to select a specific wavelength band that minimizes interference from combustion products. This allows the two-dimensional detector array to operate effectively by measuring thermal radiation at wavelengths where combustion products have minimal absorption and emission, thus maintaining both spatial coverage and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter acts as an intermediary between the combustor and the two-dimensional detector array. It selectively transmits thermal radiation at wavelengths that penetrate combustion products with minimal interference, enabling the detector array to accurately measure surface temperatures across the entire combustor interior without being corrupted by combustion product radiation
2Reliability
If sensors are configured to monitor wavelengths that pass through combustion products, then measurement reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because only line-of-sight point temperature or average temperature can be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point measurements or average temperature measurements to two-dimensional spatial temperature distribution measurements. By using a two-dimensional detector array with an optical filter, the system captures temperature information across the entire combustor surface, providing both reliability through wavelength selection and precision through spatial resolution
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 accurate two-dimensional temperature mapping and detection of thermal barrier coating detachment or worn cooling holes, allowing for enhanced maintenance intervals and improved gas turbine engine performance by adjusting combustion parameters based on real-time data.
Implementation Method 1
The optical filter is configured to receive broad wavelength band thermal radiation from an interior surface of the combustor, to substantially block wavelengths of the broad wavelength band thermal radiation emitted and/or absorbed by a flame and/or by exhaust gas within the combustor
Implementation Method 2
The detector array is configured to receive the narrow wavelength band thermal radiation and to output signals indicative of a two-dimensional intensity map of the narrow wavelength band thermal radiation
Implementation Method 3
a viewport into a combustor of the gas turbine engine and an optical filter optically coupled to the viewport. The optical filter is configured to receive broad wavelength band thermal radiation from an interior surface of the combustor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for on-line optical monitoring of a gas turbine engine includes a viewport into a combustor of the gas turbine engine and an optical filter optically coupled to the viewport. The optical filter is configured to receive broad wavelength band thermal radiation from an interior surface of the combustor while the gas turbine engine is in operation, to substantially block wavelengths of the broad wavelength band thermal radiation emitted and/or absorbed by a flame and/or by exhaust gas within the combustor, and to output narrow wavelength band thermal radiation from the interior surface of the combustor. The system also includes a detector array in optical communication with the optical filter. The detector array is configured to receive the narrow wavelength band thermal radiation and to output signals indicative of a two-dimensional intensity map of the narrow wavelength band thermal radiation.