Gas Turbine Static Pressure Sensor System for Total Pressure Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for measuring total pressure distortion in gas turbine engines are not sufficiently accurate or efficient, leading to potential operational inefficiencies and disruptions such as compressor stall and surge.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of static pressure sensors arranged within the flowpath of a gas turbine engine, which determines total pressure characteristics by processing static pressure data using correlation factors, allowing for accurate measurement of total pressure distortion across the flowpath, including upstream and downstream locations within the compressor section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional total pressure sensors are used to measure total pressure distortion, then measurement coverage is obtained, but measurement precision is insufficient and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses static pressure sensors as intermediary devices to indirectly measure total pressure distortion. Instead of placing total pressure sensors directly in the flowpath, static pressure sensors are mounted on the compressor housing at strategic locations to capture pressure characteristics that correlate with total pressure distortion, thereby achieving accurate measurements without complex sensor arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical total pressure sensors with a system using static pressure sensors combined with computational methods. By using static pressure measurements and applying correlation factors or reconstruction algorithms, the system computationally derives total pressure distortion characteristics, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing systems
2Device complexity
If static pressure sensors are used instead of total pressure sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of total pressure distortion may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct total pressure to static pressure, and introduces correlation factors that relate static pressure characteristics to total pressure distortion. By establishing mathematical relationships between static pressure measurements and total pressure distortion, the system achieves accurate total pressure measurements through simpler static pressure sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes static pressure sensors perform multiple functions: they measure local static pressure, provide data for calculating total pressure distortion, and enable monitoring of pressure characteristics throughout the compressor inlet region. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor type to achieve comprehensive measurement capabilities
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed within the flowpath, then measurement precision improves, but reliability decreases due to exposure to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the compressor housing as an intermediary structure to mount sensors. Instead of placing sensors directly in the harsh flowpath environment, static pressure sensors are mounted on the housing exterior or in protected locations, where they can still capture relevant pressure characteristics through strategic positioning and correlation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of the flowpath pressure characteristics by measuring static pressure at representative locations on the compressor housing. These measurements serve as copies or proxies for the actual total pressure distribution, allowing accurate measurement without direct sensor exposure to the flowpath
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a gas turbine engine and a sensor system. The gas turbine engine includes an inlet and a compressor section. A flowpath projects radially inward into the gas turbine engine from the inlet and extends through the compressor section. The sensor system includes a plurality of static pressure sensors at least partially within the flowpath. The sensor system is configured to determine a total pressure characteristic within the flowpath using the plurality of static pressure sensors.