Turbine Duct Failure Detection via Differential Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engine duct failure detection systems rely on dedicated sensors for each duct, leading to false alerts due to sensor failures, which can result in unnecessary maintenance and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A duct failure detection system utilizing multiple pressure sensors, each connected to two or more ducts, allowing for detection of failures based on differential pressure comparisons rather than single sensor feedback, thereby reducing false alerts and enhancing redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated independent sensors are used for each duct, then duct failure detection capability is provided, but false alerts occur due to sensor failures
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure sensors that were previously dedicated to individual ducts are merged into a shared sensor array where each sensor monitors multiple ducts. This combining approach allows cross-validation of sensor readings, enabling the system to distinguish between actual duct failures and sensor malfunctions by comparing data from multiple sensors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pressure sensor in the array is designed with multi-functionality to monitor multiple ducts rather than being dedicated to a single duct. This universal sensing capability allows any given sensor to serve multiple monitoring functions, and when one sensor fails, other sensors can compensate by monitoring the same ducts, thereby eliminating false alerts.
2Reliability
If multiple pressure sensors monitoring multiple ducts are used, then false alerts are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple dedicated sensors for each duct, the system uses a single sensor array with multiple sensors that can be configured to monitor different ducts through software or control logic. This copying approach allows the same physical sensor infrastructure to serve multiple monitoring functions, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the sensor array by dynamically assigning which ducts each sensor monitors based on operational requirements. This parameter-based configuration allows flexible monitoring of different duct combinations without physical reconfiguration, simplifying the hardware while enabling adaptable failure detection across various duct configurations.
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 effectively distinguishes between actual duct failures and sensor failures, minimizing unnecessary maintenance and ensuring continued engine operability by providing accurate detection and identification of failed ducts.
Implementation Method 1
Each pressure sensor is in operable communication with two ducts of the plurality of ducts... receiving first data from a first pressure sensor indicative of a differential pressure between a first duct and a second duct
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine includes a pressurized fluid source, a duct system comprising a plurality of ducts in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and a duct failure detection system. The duct failure detection system includes a plurality of pressure sensors. Each of the plurality of pressure sensors is in operable communication with two ducts of the plurality of ducts. Each of the plurality of ducts has at least two pressure sensors of the plurality of pressure sensors in operable communication therewith.