Patent classifications
F01D17/06
MODULAR AND AUTONOMOUS ASSEMBLY FOR DETECTING THE ANGULAR POSITION OF THE BLADES OF AN IMPELLER AND MODULAR AND AUTONOMOUS ASSEMBLY FOR DETECTING DAMAGE TO THE BLADES OF AN IMPELLER OF A TURBINE ENGINE
A modular and autonomous assembly for detecting the angular position of the blades of an impeller intended to be mounted on a turbine engine, the assembly comprises at least one electrical power source allowing the operation of the elements of the detection assembly independently of the turbine engine on which it is intended to be carried, at least one first sensor intended to be associated with the first impeller, at least one second sensor intended to be associated with the second impeller, and a main housing including a processing unit and storage means.
System and method for automatic detection of unintended forward and reverse rotations in rotating equipment
A system includes one or more sensors to detect unintended forward and reverse rotation of rotating machinery. The system also includes a monitoring system consisting of a processor, memory, display and communication interface. The processor receives signals from the sensors. The processor determines unintended rotation when the pattern of received signals match with the conditions defined in the processor. The processor generates a notification signal of “Unintended Rotation” on the display. The notification signal is also sent to the operator workstation to alert the operating personnel. The notification history is also stored in the system memory. The system is also configured to initiate automatic action to stop the unintended rotation and protect the machinery components from unintended rotation. The action may include closing the suction and discharge valve and starting the lubrication system to lube the bearings of the rotating machinery and the motor.
Probe adapter for a blade outer air seal and method for using same
A probe adapter includes an adapter body including a probe aperture and a slot. The probe adapter further includes a driver slidably mounted within the slot and slidable between a first position and a second position. The driver includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end includes a ramped recess extending in a direction from the first end toward the second end. The probe adapter further includes a threaded fastener configured to contact the second end of the driver so as to retain the driver in the first position.
System and method for detecting a shaft event on an engine
Methods and systems for detecting a shaft event of a gas turbine engine are described. The method comprises monitoring at least one engine parameter and comparing the at least one engine parameter to a schedule for the at least one parameter defining a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold; applying a limit to the at least one engine parameter when the at least one engine parameter is inside a parameter limiting region between the first threshold and the second threshold, the first threshold separating the parameter limiting region from a normal operating region, the second threshold separating the parameter limiting region from a hazardous operating region; and detecting the shaft event when the at least one engine parameter crosses the second threshold and issuing a signal in response to the detecting.
MULTI-MODE MICROWAVE WAVEGUIDE BLADE SENSING SYSTEM
A multi-mode microwave waveguide blade sensing system includes a transceiver, a waveguide, and a probe sensor. The transceiver generates a microwave energy signal having a first waveguide mode and a different second waveguide mode. The waveguide includes a first end that receives the microwave energy signal. The probe sensor includes a proximate end that receives the microwave energy signal from the transceiver and a distal end including an aperture that outputs the microwave energy signal. The probe sensor directs the microwave energy signal at a first direction based on the first waveguide mode and a different second direction different based on the second waveguide mode. The probe sensor receives different levels of reflected microwave energy based at least in part on a location at which the at least one microwave energy signal is reflected from the machine.
Variable area turbine nozzle and method
A gas turbine engine with a compressor supplying compressed air. A combustor receives the compressed air and fuel and generates a flow of combusted gas. A turbine receives a core flow of the combusted gas to rotate a turbine rotor. A turbine inlet nozzle directs the combusted gas to the turbine rotor. Vanes are disposed in the turbine inlet nozzle and rotate to vary a flow area through which the core flow passes. The vanes adjust a pressure ratio of the gas turbine engine to compensate for changing operational requirements of the gas turbine engine by rotating to positions matching the changing operational requirements.
Bearing cartridge assembly for a turbocharger
A turbocharger assembly including a housing, a shaft, and turbine and compressor wheels mounted on opposite ends of the shaft. The shaft is rotatably supported within the housing by a bearing cartridge that includes turbine-side and compressor side ball-bearing assemblies that are longitudinally spaced by a spacer. There are two times as many rows of ball-bearings included in the turbine-side ball-bearing assembly compared to the compressor-side ball-bearing assembly. The spacer slides over and rotates with the shaft and has at least one flat. An optical sensor extends through the housing and an optical sensor opening in the bearing cartridge to prevent the bearing cartridge from rotating within the housing. The optical sensor detects rotational speed of the spacer by counting the number of times the flat(s) passes by the optical sensor during a pre-determined time interval.
VARIABLE TANDEM FAN OUTLET GUIDE VANES
A fan assembly includes a fan duct, an inlet fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly. The inlet fan includes blades adapted to force fan exit air toward an aft end of the fan duct. The outlet guide vane assembly is located in the fan duct downstream of the inlet fan and is configured to adjust a direction of the fan exit air received from the blades. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first plurality of vanes configured to rotate to redirect the fan exit air in a first direction, and a second plurality of vanes located downstream of the first plurality of vanes. The second plurality of vanes are configured to rotate to redirect the fan exit air flowing in the first direction in a second direction to minimize losses created by distortions in fan inlet air and created by the first vanes.
VARIABLE TANDEM FAN OUTLET GUIDE VANES
A fan assembly includes a fan duct, an inlet fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly. The inlet fan includes blades adapted to force fan exit air toward an aft end of the fan duct. The outlet guide vane assembly is located in the fan duct downstream of the inlet fan and is configured to adjust a direction of the fan exit air received from the blades. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first plurality of vanes configured to rotate to redirect the fan exit air in a first direction, and a second plurality of vanes located downstream of the first plurality of vanes. The second plurality of vanes are configured to rotate to redirect the fan exit air flowing in the first direction in a second direction to minimize losses created by distortions in fan inlet air and created by the first vanes.
Gas turbine engine with speed sensor
A gas turbine engine includes, among other things, a fan, a fan drive gear system that is coupled with the fan and a fan drive input shaft, a compressor section that includes a first compressor and a second compressor, and a turbine section. The turbine section includes a first turbine coupled with a first shaft and a second turbine coupled through a second shaft to the second compressor. A bearing supports the fan drive input shaft. The bearing is located proximal to, and radially spaced from, a forward end of the first shaft. The bearing includes a speed sensor target that is rotatable with the forward end and that defines a rotation path. A speed sensor probe is situated proximal to the rotation path and is operable to read the speed sensor target.