Gas Turbine Speed Sensor Probe Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, existing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the rotational speed of spools due to packaging concerns and the risk of over-speed conditions, particularly when the speed sensor probe is not optimally located, which can lead to incorrect readings and potential engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine design that positions a speed sensor probe at a specific axial location axially forward of the first axial position and aft of the second axial position, allowing it to detect rotational speeds accurately and mitigate over-speed conditions by communicating with a controller to adjust fuel supply, thereby preventing engine damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the speed sensor probe is mounted at a conventional location in the engine, then packaging space is utilized, but the sensor cannot accurately detect over-speed conditions caused by decoupling events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the speed sensor probe in a specific axial location between the first axial position (where the first spool is coupled to the compressor hub) and the second axial position (where the first spool is coupled to the fan drive input shaft). This spatial repositioning in the axial dimension allows the sensor to detect rotational speeds accurately while monitoring decoupling events, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by optimizing the probe's three-dimensional placement within the engine architecture
2Reliability
If the speed sensor probe is positioned to detect decoupling events, then over-speed protection is improved, but packaging constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the speed sensor probe at a specific axial location within the engine structure, between the compressor hub coupling and the fan drive input shaft coupling. This localized placement optimizes the sensor's ability to detect over-speed conditions and decoupling events while accommodating the engine's packaging constraints, as the probe is integrated into the existing engine architecture at a location that provides both reliability and space efficiency
3Strength
If the first spool decouples from the compressor hub or fan drive, then component stress is reduced, but rotational speed cannot be properly monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the speed sensor probe in advance at an axial location that enables continuous monitoring of the first spool's rotational speed. This proactive placement allows the sensor to detect decoupling events between the first spool and either the compressor hub or fan drive input shaft, ensuring that rotational speed can be properly monitored even when decoupling occurs, thereby preventing over-speed conditions before they cause damage
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a fan drive gear system coupled to drive the fan about an engine central axis, a compressor section including a first compressor and a second compressor and a turbine section. The turbine section includes a first turbine coupled to drive a first spool. The first spool is coupled at a first axial position to a compressor hub that is coupled to drive the first compressor. The first spool is also coupled at a second, different axial position to a fan drive input shaft that is coupled to drive the fan drive gear system. The turbine section also includes a second turbine coupled through a second spool to drive the second compressor. A sensor probe is operable to determine a rotational speed of the first spool. The sensor probe is located at a third axial position that is axially forward of the first axial position and axially aft of the second axial position.