Rotating Turbomachine Sensor Data Transmission via Digital Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transmitting sensor data from rotating components of turbomachines, such as slip ring and telemetry systems, face limitations in data volume capacity and are prone to signal interference due to vibrations and electromagnetic interference, necessitating improved data transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs transmitter assemblies annularly arranged within a carrier shaft to multiplex and digitize discrete analogue signals from thermal and strain sensors, transmitting them through a slip ring assembly to a data acquisition system, enhancing data transfer capacity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If telemetry systems are used to transmit sensor data from rotating components, then data transmission capacity is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to electromagnetic interference and signal interference from vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional telemetry system with a digital data bus system that transmits data through the rotor shaft itself. Instead of using electromagnetic telemetry signals that are susceptible to interference, the invention uses physical digital connections routed through the mechanical structure of the rotor shaft, thereby eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic interference while maintaining high data transmission capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital signal conditioner and isolator as an intermediary component between the sensors and the data acquisition system. This intermediary device converts analog sensor signals to digital signals and isolates them from electromagnetic interference, allowing high-capacity data transmission without susceptibility to interference from vibrations and electromagnetic fields
2Device complexity
If conventional slip ring systems are used to transmit sensor data, then system simplicity is maintained, but data transmission capacity is limited by the number of conductive rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data transmission functions into a single integrated digital data bus system. Instead of requiring separate conductive rings for each sensor signal, the invention combines multiple sensor data streams into a single digital bus that routes through the rotor shaft, thereby maintaining system simplicity while dramatically increasing data transmission capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal transmission parameter from analog to digital. By converting sensor signals to digital format and transmitting them through a digital data bus rather than analog conductive rings, the system maintains simplicity while achieving much higher data transmission capacity, as digital signals can be multiplexed and compressed efficiently
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
This approach effectively increases data transmission capacity while reducing signal interference, providing a reliable and efficient method for monitoring rotating component conditions in turbomachines by converting analogue signals to digital streams for transmission over conductive rings.
Implementation Method 1
The first transmitter assembly is configured to receive the discrete analogue signals from the plurality of thermal sensors, multiplex the plurality of discrete analogue signals into a single amplifier and to an analogue-to-digital converter to generate a single stream of digital data therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The slip ring assembly includes at least one conductive ring that defines a digital signal path between the first transmitter assembly and the data acquisition system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting data from a rotating component of a turbomachine includes a plurality of thermal sensors coupled to corresponding rotatable components within the turbomachine where each thermal sensor generates a discrete analog signal indicative of temperature. A plurality of transmitter assemblies is coupled to an end of a rotor shaft of the turbomachine. The plurality of transmitter assemblies comprises a first transmitter assembly and a second transmitter assembly. The first transmitter assembly is configured to receive the discrete analog signals from the plurality of thermal sensors, multiplex the plurality of discrete analog signals into a single amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter to generate a single stream of digital data therefrom. The system also includes a slip ring assembly having a plurality of conductive rings where at least one of the conductive rings defines a digital signal path between the first transmitter assembly and a data acquisition system.