Gas Turbine Inlet Blockage Detection via Oil Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engine inlets can become blocked by ice or debris, leading to damage, compressor surge, flame out, and cabin air contamination, necessitating an effective detection method.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize oil temperature and ambient temperature measurements to detect inlet blockage by comparing the oil temperature to a threshold, with the system comprising a processing unit and non-transitory computer-readable memory to execute program instructions for obtaining and comparing these measurements, and detecting blockage when the oil temperature exceeds the threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional inlet blockage detection methods are used, then detection capability is limited, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinlet blockage detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the engine's own operating parameters (oil temperature, ambient temperature) to detect inlet blockage, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors or systems. The existing temperature measurement systems serve dual purposes: monitoring engine health and detecting inlet blockage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical blockage detection systems with a thermal-based detection method using temperature measurements and comparison logic, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If no inlet blockage detection is implemented, then system complexity remains low, but harmful effects such as compressor surge and flame out occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor surge and flame out preventionVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors oil temperature and ambient temperature, compares them against threshold values, and provides feedback about inlet blockage conditions. This feedback mechanism enables proactive detection and prevention of harmful effects before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects inlet blockage conditions before they lead to compressor surge or flame out by monitoring temperature differentials early in the blockage process, allowing preventive action to be taken before harmful effects occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 proactive detection and potential shutdown or alerting of inlet blockage, preventing damage and ensuring safe operation by using oil temperature as an indicator of inlet blockage, thereby reducing the risk of compressor surge and flame out.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining an oil temperature measurement of the engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10082243B1Method and system for inlet blockage detection

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

Herein provided are methods and systems for detecting blockage of an inlet of gas turbine engine. An oil temperature measurement of the engine and an ambient temperature measurement is obtained. The oil temperature measurement is compared to a threshold based on the ambient temperature measurement. Blockage of the inlet of the engine is detected when the oil temperature measurement exceeds the threshold.