Turbine Rotor Sensor Wiring with Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engine pressure sensors struggle to accurately measure both static and dynamic pressures at radial distances from the rotor centerline due to high g-loads and extreme temperatures, and the use of wave-guides restricts measurements to static conditions, preventing the detection of dynamic pressures.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with sensors and wiring that includes a temperature compensation module, strategically secured in probe holders to withstand high g-loads and temperatures, allowing for both static and dynamic pressure measurements by transmitting signals through a non-rotating recording system via a wired or wireless system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wave-guide is used to transmit pressure signals from the sensor to the measurement point, then the sensor can be positioned at the rotor centerline where g-loads are reduced, but dynamic pressure measurements become impossible due to the large volume of air damping the pressure wave
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wave-guide component from the system and replaces it with direct wiring. By removing the wave-guide that filled with air and dampened pressure waves, the system enables direct electrical signal transmission from the sensor to the measurement point, preserving dynamic pressure measurement capability while still allowing sensor positioning at the rotor centerline for reduced g-loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid yet bendable tube is routed through slots and holes in the rotor to connect the sensor, then the sensor can be positioned away from the centerline, but the routing becomes difficult and may result in leaks or broken connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical routing system (rigid yet bendable tube through slots and holes) with an electrical wiring system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical routing through rotor slots and holes, removing the risk of leaks and broken connections while maintaining sensor positioning flexibility at various radial distances from the centerline.
3Strength
If the sensor is positioned at the rotor centerline to reduce g-loads, then the sensor experiences lower gravitational loads, but pressure measurements can only be taken at the centerline location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurement capability from a single point (centerline) to multiple radial positions by adding wiring that radiates outward from the centerline to various measurement points on the rotor periphery. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to remain at the low-g centerline location while measuring pressures at multiple locations along the wiring path, effectively adding spatial versatility without increasing sensor load.
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 measurement of static and dynamic pressures on a rotating turbine rotor, allowing for the evaluation of air flow and potential extension of gas turbine life by validating cooling air flow and measuring acoustic phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature compensation module disposed on the second wiring section to adjust the signal
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system is provided and includes a sensor to measure a condition at a point of measurement interest defined on a rotor of a turbine at a radial distance from a centerline about which the rotor is rotatable, wiring disposed on the rotor at a radial distance from the centerline, the wiring including a first wiring section coupled to the sensor, a second wiring section and a first connection by which the first and second wiring sections are connectable, a second connection by which the second wiring section transmits a signal reflective of the detected condition to a non-rotating recording element and a temperature compensation module disposed on the second wiring section to adjust the signal.