| abstract |
The sensor arrangement, performance-monitored machine system, and method, utilize radiance of exhaust streams to indicate performance deviation, due to combustion instability or machine malfunction, in propulsion gas turbine engines, augmentors used on such engines, stationary power generating gas turbine engines, and other air-breathing combustion-based turbine machines and systems. Sensor operation is based upon high-speed measurements of radiant emission from the hot exhaust stream, taken at a minimum rate of 2000, and preferably at a rate of at least 8000, samples per second. Select infrared wavelengths of light are used to capture temporal variations in the radiance, which are Fourier analyzed to determine the magnitude and frequency of the combustion instability. The apparatus and method enable detection of incipient combustion instability, combustion system health, power loss, stall, surge, and fuel light-off; information and feedback are available for combustion control, to provide an early warning and diagnosis of a physical and/or mechanical malfunction, and to indicate a need for condition-based maintenance. |