Radatec, Inc.

Meggitt Sa

Jonathan Geisheimer

Thomas Holst

Scott Billington

David Burgess

Glenn Hopkins

Scott Alexander Billington

Olivier Hochreutiner

Sylvain Queloz

David Kwapisz

Rachid Naid-Abdellah

Qin Xu

Gérald Egger

Maddalena Violetti

Anja Skrivervik Favre

Phillip Moore

Gerald Egger

Oliver Hochreutiner

Measurement of bladed rotors and, more particularly, speed measurement of bladed rotors in a turbine engine using microwave probes is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus for measuring bladed includes a microwave sensor that radiates a microwave signal toward a bladed rotor and receives a reflected microwave signal from the bladed rotor, a radio frequency module that generates the microwave signal radiated by the microwave sensor and down-converts the reflected microwave signal into a down-converted signal, and a main processing module configured to generate an output pulse train signal representative of a speed of the bladed rotor based on the down-converted signal. In another embodiment, a method for measuring bladed rotors is described including radiating a microwave signal, receiving a reflected microwave signal, down-converting the reflected microwave signal, and generating an output pulse train signal representative of a speed of a bladed rotor based on the down-converted signal.

Measurement of bladed rotors

A device and a method for monitoring the operational state of rotor blades of a turbine from a position facing the blade tip of a passing rotor blade: A wavesource generates an electromagnetic wave and a wave guide directs the wave towards the blade tip. The waveguide is included in a resonator defining at least one discrete resonance frequency of the wave on the waveguide. An aperture at its front end emits an energy fraction of the wave toward the blade tip. The frequency of the wave is adjusted to the resonance frequency of the resonator at the momentary operation conditions, and a measuring unit compares at least one measurement parameter of the wave directed towards the blade tip with the corresponding measurement parameter of the wave reflected from the blade tip.

Device and method for monitoring rotor blades of a turbine

Controlling a multiplexer for switching between probes of a microwave sensor. The multiplexer is used to select one of the probes at any one time of operation of the sensor. Signal processing constants are updated for the selected probe. One or more signal conditioning devices are adjusted to optimize signal noise levels and dynamic range for the probe. The transmit frequency is set for the probe. Upon expiration of a transition period, a data acquisition operation or measurement operation is conducted with the probe. In turn, a time for switching to the next probe is calculated and applied prior to enabling the multiplexer to switch to another probe. These tasks are completed steps for each of the remaining probes of the microwave sensor and then repeated again for continuing operation of the sensor.

Method of sensor multiplexing for rotating machinery

A temperature measurement technique for calculating a temperature in a high temperature environment by monitoring a change in resonant frequency of a resonant structure loaded with a dielectric material. A response curve for a reflection coefficient S11 associated with the resonant structure is generated, typically by the use of a network analyzer connected to the resonant structure via a cable. A minimum point for the response curve is identified to detect the resonant frequency for the resonant structure. A calibration map is applied to the minimum point to identify a temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure. The temperature associated with the resonant frequency of the resonant structure represents the temperature of the high temperature environment.

Temperature measurement using changes in dielectric constant and associated resonance

An effective methodology for reducing the influence of clutter arising from a complex signal environment defined by the use of a microwave sensor within or in connection with a gas turbine engine having one or more stages of rotating blades. Accurate detection of peak signals for blade measurements can be obtained by the microwave sensor.

Peak detection and clutter reduction for a microwave sensor

A patch antenna for operation within a high temperature environment. The patent antenna typically includes an antenna radiating element, a housing and a microwave transmission medium, such as a high temperature microwave cable. The antenna radiating element typically comprises a metallization (or solid metal) element in contact with a dielectric element. The antenna radiating element can include a dielectric window comprising a flame spray coating or a solid dielectric material placed in front of the radiating element. The antenna element is typically inserted into a housing that mechanically captures the antenna and provides a ground plane for the antenna. Orifices or passages can be added to the housing to improve high temperature performance and may direct cooling air for cooling the antenna. The high temperature microwave cable is typically inserted into the housing and attached to the antenna radiator to support the communication of electromagnetic signals between the radiator element and a receiver or transmitter device.

Microstrip patch antenna for high temperature environments

Growing community of inventors

Neyruz, Switzerland

Jonathan Geisheimer