Gas Turbine Telemetry Module with Segmented GN2 Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of collecting data from gas turbine engines are inefficient as they require pre-operational component data estimation, which can vary from actual operating conditions, and mounting sensors can disrupt engine operation, potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry module assembly is installed at the rotor bearing compartment with a separate cooling system using gaseous nitrogen (GN2) coolant, allowing for data collection during full operation without affecting engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a sensor apparatus is mounted on a gas turbine engine to collect operational data, then data collection capability is improved, but engine operation may be adversely affected and engine damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into separate circuits: a first cooling circuit for the sensor apparatus and a second cooling circuit for the bearing. This segmentation allows independent cooling of each component without interference, enabling data collection while maintaining engine reliability through dedicated cooling paths that prevent cooling oil flow disruption to bearings.
2Temperature
If cooling is provided to the sensor apparatus, then sensor operation is improved, but cooling oil flows to adjacent bearings are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate circuits that independently serve the sensor apparatus and the bearing. The first cooling circuit delivers coolant to the sensor apparatus without drawing from or interfering with the second cooling circuit that supplies cooling oil to the bearing, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of cooling oil flow disruption while maintaining effective sensor cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate cooling circuit acts as an intermediary system for the sensor apparatus, using a dedicated coolant path that does not share the bearing cooling oil supply. This intermediary cooling approach allows the sensor to be cooled effectively without creating harmful interactions with the bearing lubrication system.
3Loss of time
If pre-operational component data is used to estimate operating characteristics, then data collection before assembly is enabled, but estimation accuracy varies from actual operating values
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry module and sensor apparatus are pre-installed and cooled during assembly, but the system is designed to collect operational data during actual engine operation. The separate cooling circuits are configured in advance to operate independently during runtime, enabling accurate real-time measurements without relying on pre-operational estimates.
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
Enables accurate and uninterrupted data collection from fully operational gas turbine engines by maintaining bearing oil supply and using GN2 coolant to prevent disruptions, ensuring reliable engine operation and precise data sensing.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system for cooling the telemetry module separate from a rotor bearing lubricant flow
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a telemetry module mounted at a rotor bearing compartment for sensing engine operational parameters and a cooling system for cooling the telemetry module separate from a rotor bearing lubricant flow.