Turbomachine Temperature Sensor Monitoring via Thermal Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring temperature sensors in turbomachines, particularly downstream of the combustion chamber, are ineffective in detecting malfunctions due to thermal disparities and sensor placement offset, leading to delayed or inaccurate detection of defects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving stopping the turbomachine, waiting for a predetermined threshold period to achieve thermal homogeneity, measuring and comparing temperatures from redundant sensors, and using theoretical differences to assess sensor performance, with optional ventilation to speed up homogenization and predictive monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature sensors are placed downstream of the combustion chamber to measure flux temperature, then temperature measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to thermal disparities and sensor offset
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of sensor temperatures during operation, then waits for the turbomachine to stop and thermal conditions to stabilize before conducting the actual comparison measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to capture operational data while avoiding the thermal disparity problem during the critical comparison phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring method is implemented periodically when the turbomachine stops operating, rather than continuously during operation. This periodic action allows thermal conditions to naturally stabilize between measurement cycles, eliminating the need for complex real-time thermal compensation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Speed
If continuous monitoring is performed during turbomachine operation, then real-time detection capability is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to thermal disparities in the flux
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring during operation, the system performs sensor comparison measurements periodically when the turbomachine is stopped. This approach sacrifices continuous real-time detection but ensures high reliability by measuring under stable thermal conditions where any temperature difference between sensors clearly indicates malfunction rather than thermal disparity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring strategy dynamically adapts to the operational state of the turbomachine, switching between operational monitoring (for trend observation) and stopped-state comparison (for accurate malfunction detection). This dynamic approach optimizes both response time and reliability by using the appropriate method for each operational phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are placed in different locations downstream of the combustion chamber, then temperature measurement representativeness is improved, but sensor comparison reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the beneficial sensor placement in different locations for operational representativeness, then performs a preliminary waiting period after shutdown to allow thermal equilibrium to establish. This preliminary action restores measurement reliability by eliminating thermal disparities before the actual sensor comparison takes place.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopped state of the turbomachine acts as an intermediary condition that temporarily eliminates the thermal disparity problem. By introducing this intermediate state between operation and measurement, the system can maintain both sensor placement diversity for representativeness and measurement reliability through thermal stabilization.
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 reliable detection and anticipation of sensor malfunctions and performance deterioration, ensuring accurate temperature measurements and extending sensor lifespan by identifying issues before they cause operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A turbomachine is generally equipped with temperature sensors, for example thermocouples that are used for measuring high temperatures
Implementation Method 2
waiting for a period at least equal to a threshold period; the temperature of the flux in the same transverse plane of the turbomachine is homogeneous
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring at least two temperature sensors of a turbomachine that is aligned along a reference plane, the two temperature sensors being located in the same transverse plane of the turbomachine, the method including detecting the stoppage of the turbomachine; waiting for a period at least equal to a predetermined threshold period; measuring the temperature with each of the two temperature sensors; comparing the two temperatures measured.