Optical Probe Temperature Sensing for Gas Turbine Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact sensors for gas turbine engines are not suitable for harsh environments, cannot access moving parts, and interfere with performance and design parameters due to the need for direct physical contact, making it difficult to monitor temperature-related damage and overheating issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remote temperature measurement system using a control system, optical emitter/receiver, and a probe system with resonant probes and thermographic phosphor films embedded within the engine components, allowing for optical communication and temperature determination without direct contact, utilizing waveguides and optical ports for line-of-sight communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensors are used for temperature measurement, then direct physical contact is achieved, but the sensors cannot withstand harsh environmental conditions and interfere with engine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) to transfer temperature information from the component to the sensor without direct contact. The optical sensor measures temperature remotely through optical signals, allowing the sensor to remain in a benign environment while measuring temperatures in harsh environments, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sensor durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based temperature sensing system with an optical non-contact system. Instead of physical contact sensors that must withstand harsh conditions, the system uses optical fields to transmit temperature information, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and allowing sensors to operate in benign environments while measuring in harsh environments.
2Measurement precision
If contact sensors are used for temperature measurement, then temperature data is obtained, but access to moving parts is prohibited and engine performance is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The optical field acts as an intermediary that can penetrate or reach moving parts without physical contact. This allows temperature measurement of rotating or moving components without requiring access points or contact with the moving surfaces, resolving the contradiction between obtaining temperature data and accessing moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with optical sensors that can measure temperature remotely. This substitution eliminates the need for physical access to moving parts, as optical fields can detect temperature through non-contact means, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and ease of accessing moving components.
3Measurement precision
If contact sensors are embedded in components, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the components require direct physical contact which complicates design and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The optical field serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for embedding sensors within components. Temperature information is transmitted optically from the component surface or near-field to external sensors, removing the manufacturing complexity associated with integrating contact sensors into component designs while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical embedded sensors with optical sensing that requires no physical integration into the component structure. This substitution eliminates design and manufacturing complications related to sensor embedding, as optical sensors can measure temperature from external positions without altering the component's structural integrity or design complexity.
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, real-time temperature measurement of gas turbine engine components, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by preventing damage from overheating and providing critical data for condition-based maintenance, while avoiding interference with the engine's performance and design.
Implementation Method 1
the resonant probe comprises thermographic phosphor films in which changes in temperature affects the luminescence of the thermographic phosphor films
Implementation Method 2
the resonant probe comprises a resonant probe that operates as an antenna for light
Data Source
AI summary
A remote temperature measurement system for a gas turbine engine includes an optical emitter/receiver in communication with the control system and a probe system embedded within a component of the gas turbine engine, the probe system within a line-of-sight of the optical emitter/receiver, the control system operable to determine a local temperature of the component in response to optical communication with the probe system.