Turbine Probe Optical Sensor Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors in turbine engines lack effectiveness in accurately measuring temperatures within harsh environments without exposing sensitive electronics to extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a probe with a bore and an optical sensor connected to a processing system, where the probe provides a thermal break between the gas path and the optical sensor, allowing for temperature measurement of the probe or gas using electromagnetic radiation detection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed directly in the gas path to measure temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to exposure to harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate segments: a probe portion that contacts the gas path and a sensor portion that remains protected. The probe measures temperature while the optical sensor stays outside the harsh environment, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe acts as an intermediary element between the gas path and the optical sensor. It transfers thermal information from the harsh gas environment to the protected sensor location, enabling accurate temperature measurement without exposing the sensor to damaging conditions.
2Reliability
If sensors are protected from harsh environments, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance from measurement point
Solution Approach 1:
The probe serves as an intermediary that bridges the protected sensor and the measurement point. It extends into the gas path to capture temperature information at the desired location while keeping the sensor itself protected, thus maintaining both reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical contact sensing with optical sensing. The probe transfers thermal information optically rather than mechanically, allowing the sensor to remain protected while maintaining measurement accuracy through non-contact optical detection.
3Measurement precision
If electronics are exposed to extreme temperatures, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to thermal management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electronic temperature sensing with optical sensing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex thermal management of electronics, as optical sensors can be positioned outside the high-temperature zone while still measuring temperature through the probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic sensor component is extracted from the high-temperature gas path environment and placed in a protected location. Only the passive probe remains in the gas path, significantly reducing thermal management complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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 temperature determination within the turbine engine without exposing sensitive electronics to harsh conditions, providing reliable temperature data for both the probe and gas, while maintaining operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation indicative of the temperature of the endwall
Implementation Method 2
The probe provides a thermal break between the gas path and the optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This turbine engine assembly includes a turbine engine structure and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a probe and an optical sensor. The probe is connected to the turbine engine structure. The probe projects into a gas path of the turbine engine. The sensor system is configured to measure a temperature of the probe using the optical sensor.