Ultrasonic Probe Array for Turbomachine Temperature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems and temperature sensors in gas turbomachines are inadequate to accurately capture operating parameters, leading to inefficiencies and potential component damage due to excessive temperatures and varying ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of ultrasonic probes with a phased array configuration and a control system to determine temperature and flow velocities across a two-dimensional plane within a turbomachine, using ultrasonic-based computed tomography to measure properties of the medium, such as temperature and flow velocities, by analyzing the time between ultrasonic beam transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are used to monitor operating parameters, then the system structure remains simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient to accurately capture temperature distribution and flow velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple ultrasonic probes arranged in arrays, with each probe measuring temperature along its specific beam path. By segmenting the measurement into multiple directional paths and combining the data, the system achieves two-dimensional temperature distribution mapping without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces conventional thermal contact sensors with ultrasonic non-contact measurement. Ultrasonic waves propagate through the gas medium and their transit time is used to infer temperature, eliminating the need for physical sensor contact and enabling measurement in high-temperature combustion environments
2Reliability
If conventional temperature sensors are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability is insufficient to prevent component damage from excessive temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives ultrasonic measurement data and uses it to monitor temperature distribution in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of combustion parameters to maintain temperatures within safe operating limits, preventing component damage while optimizing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature mapping and analysis to identify potential hot spots before they reach dangerous levels. By detecting temperature trends and patterns in advance, the control system can take preventive action to avoid component damage
3Productivity
If conventional sensors are used to monitor operating parameters, then the system operates at lower firing temperatures for safety, but the productivity and power output are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of contact-based thermal sensors with ultrasonic non-contact measurement enables accurate temperature monitoring in high-temperature combustion zones. This allows the system to operate at higher firing temperatures that would be too risky with conventional sensors, thereby increasing power output while maintaining safety through precise monitoring
4Loss of information
If conventional temperature sensors are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of information occurs regarding detailed temperature distribution and flow velocity data
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from point-based temperature measurement to two-dimensional temperature distribution mapping. By arranging ultrasonic probes in arrays and processing the transit time data from multiple beam paths, the system reconstructs temperature fields across the combustion chamber, providing comprehensive spatial information that single-point sensors cannot capture
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 allows for precise temperature distribution mapping and flow velocity measurement, enabling consistent operation at higher firing temperatures, improved efficiency, and reduced risk of component damage, with increased power output and enhanced turbomachine performance.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer of at least one probe in the first set of probes is configured to communicate with an ultrasonic receiver of at least one probe in the second set of probes. The control system is configured to: instruct the at least one probe in the first set of probes to transmit an ultrasonic beam to the at least one probe in the second set of probes
Implementation Method 2
determine a property of a medium between the at least one probe in the first set of probes and the at least one probe in the second set of probes based upon a time between transmission of the ultrasonic beam from the at least one probe in the first set of probes and reception of the ultrasonic beam by the at least one probe in the second set of probes
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the invention include a system having: at least one computing device connected with an array of ultrasonic probes on a gas turbomachine component, the at least one computing device configured to: instruct a first probe in the array of ultrasonic probes to transmit an ultrasonic beam to at least one additional probe in the array of ultrasonic probes; and determine a property of a medium between the first probe and the at least one additional probe based upon a time between transmission of the ultrasonic beam from the first probe and reception of the ultrasonic beam at the at least one additional probe.