Rotary Machine Optical Monitoring via Dynamic Field Redirection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical monitoring systems for rotary machines, such as gas turbines, face limitations in viewing all components due to fixed viewing ports and trade-offs between field of view and spatial resolution, often only allowing for partial monitoring with either high or low resolution.
Innovation Solution
An optical monitoring system with a light redirecting device that rotates and translates to redirect the field of view towards different regions of a turbine component, coupled with a detector array to capture images, allowing for high spatial resolution monitoring of a substantial portion of the component surface while extending the operational life of the system by retracting from the hot gas stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the objective lens is configured to provide a narrow field of view, then spatial resolution is improved, but the area of component monitored deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical monitoring system movable rather than fixed. The system can be repositioned to different locations around the turbine component, allowing it to capture high-resolution images of multiple regions sequentially. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the narrow field of view lens to monitor different areas over time, effectively expanding the total monitored area while maintaining high spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the dimensionality change principle by adding temporal dimension to the monitoring process. Instead of attempting to capture the entire component surface simultaneously with a wide field of view, the system captures images at multiple time points from different positions, then reconstructs a comprehensive three-dimensional model. This transforms a two-dimensional spatial limitation into a four-dimensional solution (three spatial dimensions plus time).
2Area of stationary object
If the objective lens is configured to provide a wide field of view, then the area of component monitored is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically repositions itself to capture multiple high-resolution images of different regions, replacing the need for a single wide-field view with multiple sequential narrow-field views. Each individual image maintains high spatial resolution while the collection of images covers the entire component area.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the temporal dimension and acquiring images at multiple time points from different positions, the system overcomes the spatial resolution limitation of wide-field views. The multi-temporal, multi-position imaging approach reconstructs comprehensive component information with high resolution that would be unattainable through a single wide-field capture.
3Device complexity
If viewing ports are fixed relative to the turbine casing, then device complexity is reduced, but the area of component monitored deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single movable optical monitoring system that can serve multiple viewing positions around the turbine. Rather than installing multiple fixed viewing ports at different locations, one universal system can be repositioned to capture images from various angles and positions, performing the function of multiple fixed systems with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed viewing port configuration to a dynamic repositionable system. The optical monitoring system can be moved to different locations around the turbine component, allowing a single device to monitor areas that would otherwise require multiple fixed ports, thereby reducing overall device complexity while expanding monitored area.
4Productivity
If the optical monitoring system remains in the hot gas stream for continuous monitoring, then productivity is improved, but the duration of action of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent monitoring rather than continuous exposure. The optical system can be retracted from the hot gas stream when high-temperature exposure is not required, and deployed only when monitoring is needed. This periodic engagement reduces cumulative thermal damage while maintaining productivity through scheduled monitoring cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its position relative to the hot gas stream, moving in and out as monitoring requirements dictate. This dynamic positioning allows the system to minimize exposure time to high temperatures while maintaining continuous monitoring capability through strategic repositioning, thereby extending operational life without sacrificing productivity.
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 comprehensive online monitoring of turbine components with high spatial resolution, facilitating the detection of minute defects and enhancing the reliability and availability of the turbine system by mapping images onto a three-dimensional model for easier defect identification and maintenance planning.
Implementation Method 1
an optical monitoring system configured to redirect a field of view toward different regions of a component within the interior of a rotary machine
Implementation Method 2
an optical monitoring system configured to redirect a field of view toward different regions of a component within the interior of a rotary machine
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes an optical monitoring system configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine. The optical monitoring system is configured to redirect a field of view toward different regions of a component within the interior of the rotary machine while the rotary machine is in operation, and to capture an image of each region.