Probe Lead Cooling Jacket for Blade Tip Clearance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade tip clearance sensors in gas turbines face challenges with heat-induced failure in probe leads due to conductive heat transfer from the blade tip, leading to potential electrical failure and oxidation, which compromises the accuracy and durability of real-time data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A cooling jacket for the probe lead is designed with a tubular section and a collar to encase the lead, allowing a flow of gaseous coolant, such as compressed air or nitrogen, to cool the lead and minimize direct contact with hot surfaces, using materials that can withstand high pressures and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the probe lead is placed in direct contact with hot surfaces for structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal oxidation and electrical failure occur due to conductive heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling jacket is introduced as an intermediary component between the probe lead and the hot environment. The jacket includes a cooling channel that allows coolant flow to pass through, creating a thermal barrier that protects the probe lead from conductive heat transfer while maintaining structural integrity and electrical signal transmission capability.
2Device complexity
If no cooling system is added to maintain probe lead temperature, then device complexity remains low, but thermal oxidation and electrical failure compromise sensor durability
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling jacket serves as a protective intermediary that extends the operational life of the probe lead by preventing direct thermal exposure. The jacket's cooling channel system enables continuous coolant circulation, maintaining the probe lead temperature within safe operational limits and preventing thermal oxidation and electrical failure over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
A coolant flow system is implemented using pneumatic or hydraulic principles. The cooling channel within the jacket allows pressurized coolant to circulate through the probe lead assembly, efficiently removing heat through forced convection and preventing thermal damage to the probe lead and electrical connections.
3Measurement precision
If the probe lead is exposed to high-temperature environments for real-time data acquisition, then measurement capability is maintained, but conductive heat transfer causes thermal oxidation and electrical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling jacket acts as a thermal intermediary that allows the probe lead to function in high-temperature environments for accurate blade tip clearance measurement while simultaneously protecting it from harmful thermal effects. The jacket's cooling channel system creates a controlled thermal environment that maintains measurement capability without exposing the probe lead to damaging temperatures.
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
The solution effectively cools the probe lead, reducing the risk of thermal oxidation and electrical failure, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of blade tip clearance sensors in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a flow of gaseous coolant, such as compressed air or nitrogen, to cool the lead
Implementation Method 2
reducing the risk of thermal oxidation and electrical failure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A lead cooling assembly (151) includes a cooling jacket (153) including a tubular section having an exterior portion (155) and an interior portion (157), where the interior portion (157) is proportioned to surround a probe lead (111) and provide space for a flow of a gaseous coolant. The lead cooling assembly (151) also includes an intake (159) configured to admit the gaseous coolant into the interior portion (157) of the cooling jacket (153). The lead cooling assembly (151) further includes a collar (161) configured to fit over the exterior portion (155) of the cooling jacket (153), where the collar (161) includes one or more exit holes (163a, 163b) configured to pass the gaseous coolant out of the interior portion (157) of the cooling jacket (153).