Self-Powered Gas Turbine Instrumentation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing station probes in gas turbine engines face challenges with long and expensive wiring for power and temperature/pressure sensors, which are time-consuming and error-prone to connect and disconnect during engine testing, and are prone to faults.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an energy harvesting power source, such as vibration, heat, or airflow-based systems, that provides independent power to instrumentation within the engine, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing the complexity of sensor connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power sources with wiring are used to power instrumentation in gas turbine engines, then power can be supplied to sensors and signal conditioning circuitry, but the wiring introduces faults, increases complexity, and requires time-consuming manual connections when moving between test stands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the external infrastructure and places it directly on the instrumentation module itself. The energy harvesting device is integrated into the module housing, allowing the module to generate its own power independently of external power sources and wiring, thereby eliminating wiring-related faults and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The instrumentation module becomes self-sufficient by incorporating an energy harvesting device that automatically converts environmental energy (vibration, heat, or airflow) into electrical power. This self-powered operation eliminates the need for manual connection/disconnection of power wires when moving between test stands, saving time and reducing errors
2Reliability
If long lengths of wire and pressure lines are used to connect sensors to the control room, then sensor data can be transmitted, but the cost increases and the possibility of faults along the wiring path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal conditioning circuitry with the energy harvesting device into a single integrated module. This merging eliminates the need for separate power wiring and signal wiring, reducing both the cost and the number of potential fault points while maintaining reliable signal transmission to the control room
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual connection and disconnection of sensors and pressure inlets is performed each time the engine is moved between test stands, then the instrumentation can be repositioned, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The self-powered module with integrated energy harvesting requires no external power connections, allowing the entire assembly to be picked up and moved as a single unit. This eliminates the time-consuming process of manually disconnecting and reconnecting multiple wires and pressure lines while maintaining full functionality at the new location
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 solution simplifies the installation and operation of station probes by providing local power, reducing wiring needs, and enhancing reliability by maintaining stable sensor readings without the need for extensive wiring and manual reconnection.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric elements are mounted to the beam and are configured to deflect at the engine operating frequency to produce the electricity
Implementation Method 2
A magnet is mounted to the beam and is configured to induce the electricity in an adjacent coil at the engine operating frequency
Implementation Method 3
A thermocouple is arranged adjacent to the heat source and is configured to provide the electricity in response to a heat flux from the heat source
Implementation Method 4
A Peltier cell is arranged adjacent to the heat source and is configured to provide the electricity in response to a heat flux from the heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section mounted relative to an engine static structure. A module includes instrumentation that is mounted to the engine static structure. The module includes an energy harvesting power source that is configured to provide electricity to the instrumentation during engine operation and is independent of an external electrical power source.