Sensor Array Position Detection for Gas Turbine Impact Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting pulse-like mechanical actions on plant parts, such as loose parts in gas turbines, face challenges in reliably identifying and locating such events due to high background noise and signal interference, particularly in environments with high operating noise levels.

Innovation Solution

A method involving continuous measurement with multiple sensors, where measurement signals are analyzed using a combination of Fourier transformations and evaluation functions, with adjustable time windows to enhance sensitivity and precision in detecting pulse-like events, and determining their location based on transit time differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensors are used to detect pulse-like mechanical actions, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection task across multiple sensors positioned at different locations on the plant component. Each sensor independently monitors its local region, and the evaluation unit integrates signals from all sensors to achieve comprehensive detection coverage and improved reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor signals are merged and processed together in the evaluation unit. The system combines information from all sensors to evaluate the presence and location of pulse-like mechanical actions, achieving reliable detection through signal integration while managing complexity through unified processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If Fourier transformation with adjustable time windows is used, then measurement precision improves, but calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs adjustable time windows in the Fourier transformation process, allowing the analysis duration to be dynamically adapted based on the specific detection requirements. This enables optimization of measurement precision for different pulse durations while managing computational load through selective parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation unit changes the parameter of time window duration in the Fourier transformation to optimize detection precision. By adjusting the time window parameter, the system can achieve higher measurement precision for pulse-like actions of different durations while balancing computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If signal filtering is applied to reduce background noise, then detection sensitivity improves, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsignal information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the parameters of the evaluation function and Fourier transformation to optimize the balance between noise rejection and signal preservation. By carefully selecting transformation parameters and evaluation thresholds, the system achieves high detection sensitivity while minimizing information loss about the pulse-like mechanical actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the detection sensitivity and precision of pulse-like mechanical actions, allowing for timely identification and localization of events like loose parts, reducing the risk of damage to gas turbines by distinguishing between normal operating noise and impact signals.

Implementation Method 1

in particular piezoelectric acceleration pickups, are arranged on a plant part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first absolute value of the transform of each measurement signal is determined using predetermined first parameters of a mathematical transformation rule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transformation:

Implementation Method 3

the impact of small, loose parts or an individual tile indicates an imminent total demolition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP1922530B1Method and device for detecting the position of a pulsed mechanical effect on a plant component
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 AREVA GMBH
  • EP1922530B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1922530B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1922530B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and device for detecting the position of a pulsed mechanical effect on a plant component (2), whereby an operating noise in the plant component (2) is continuously recorded by means of a plurality of sensors (4s) which are arranged on the plant component (2) and converted by the above into a measured signal (Ms), said measured signals of the sensors undergoing a transformation in a first time window (Δt1). A first evaluation function (K1,s) is derived from a plurality of first transformations determined in said manner, said evaluation functions displaying the appearance of the pulsed mechanical effect on a plant component (2). According to the invention, when detecting an effect following the second shorter time window (Δt2) having the same algorithms, second transformed and respectively, second evaluation functions (K2,s) are derived, from which, respectively, one time point (ts) is determined, wherein the sound signal produced by the effect impacts upon the sensor (4s). From there, running time differences produced between the sensors (4s) can be exactly reconstructed on the position of the effect.