Speed Sensor Position Detection in Multi-Channel Gas Turbine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in accurately connecting speed sensors to control channels due to varying sensor locations and types, leading to potential misinterpretation of data and the need for careful manual or automated assembly to ensure correct connections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting speed sensor position using a multi-channel controller with stored predetermined sensor position arrangements and parameter values, which processes input data to identify the correct sensors connected to each control channel, ensuring accurate sensor connection and data interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple speed sensors are provided in different circumferential positions about the shaft, then the system can accommodate sensor failures and provide redundancy, but the complexity of correctly connecting sensors to control channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines which speed sensor is connected to which control channel by analyzing phase angle relationships between sensor signals, eliminating the need for manual configuration or labeling. The system self-identifies the connections through computational analysis of the input data from multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses phase angle parameters of sensor signals as unique identifiers to distinguish between different sensor positions. By measuring and comparing phase angles, the controller can identify which sensor is connected to which channel without physical markings or manual setup.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual or automated assembly operations are used to ensure proper sensor installation, then correct sensor-channel connections can be achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual configuration procedures entirely. During normal operation, the controller automatically performs sensor identification by analyzing phase relationships, replacing what would otherwise require manual assembly operations with an automated computational process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sensor identification automatically during initial operation rather than requiring pre-assembly configuration. The phase angle analysis is conducted as part of the normal startup sequence, eliminating a separate assembly step.
3Ease of operation
If the controller automatically determines sensor positions through phase angle analysis, then assembly complexity is reduced, but computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with an automated computational system. Instead of physically configuring connections, the controller uses software-based phase angle analysis to identify sensor positions, substituting computational processing for mechanical assembly tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detection of speed sensor position in an engine comprising speed sensors and a controller having channels each operatively connected to a different one of the speed sensors. A memory stores predetermined sensor position arrangements each identifying, for each one of the channels, a speed sensor connected to the channel, and predetermined engine parameter values each associated with a corresponding predetermined sensor position arrangement. A current engine parameter value is computed on the basis of received input data. The predetermined sensor position arrangements and the predetermined engine parameter values are retrieved from the memory and a predetermined engine parameter value that matches the current engine parameter value is determined. The predetermined sensor position arrangement associated with the predetermined engine parameter value is then identified and, for each one of the channels, the speed sensor currently connected to the channel is determined.