Turbine engine stall warning system
First Claim
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1. A method for predicting an impending stall event for an apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:
- monitoring a first part of said apparatus to detect a first series of stress waves;
monitoring a second part of said apparatus to detect a second series of stress waves;
processing said first series of stress waves to generate a first series of stress wave energy values;
processing said second series of stress waves to generate a second series of stress wave energy values;
calculating a difference between said first series of stress wave energy values and said second series of stress wave energy values to generate energy difference values,comparing said energy difference values to a threshold value;
comparing said first series of stress wave energy values to a normal operating value; and
generating an impending stall signal when both of;
said difference values cross said first threshold value and said first series of stress wave energy values are near said normal operating values.
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Abstract
A Stall Warning System (SWS) utilizing the detection and analysis of stress waves, (i.e., ultrasound) emitted by combustion and/or turbulent flow processes of an apparatus, such as a turbine engine, for example. Upon detection of an impending stall condition, the SWS can inform the operator, inform another electronic device (computer, etc.) and/or latch the event for review by maintenance personnel.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for predicting an impending stall event for an apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:
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monitoring a first part of said apparatus to detect a first series of stress waves; monitoring a second part of said apparatus to detect a second series of stress waves; processing said first series of stress waves to generate a first series of stress wave energy values; processing said second series of stress waves to generate a second series of stress wave energy values; calculating a difference between said first series of stress wave energy values and said second series of stress wave energy values to generate energy difference values, comparing said energy difference values to a threshold value; comparing said first series of stress wave energy values to a normal operating value; and generating an impending stall signal when both of;
said difference values cross said first threshold value and said first series of stress wave energy values are near said normal operating values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for predicting an impending stall event for an apparatus, said system comprising:
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means for monitoring a first part of said apparatus to detect a first series of stress waves; means for monitoring a second part of said apparatus to detect a second series of stress waves; means for processing said first series of stress waves to generate a first series of stress wave energy values; means for processing said second series of stress waves to generate a second series of stress wave energy values; means for calculating a difference between said first series of stress wave energy values and said second series of stress wave energy values to generate energy difference values; means for comparing said energy difference values to a threshold value; means for comparing said first series of stress wave energy values to a normal operating value; and means for generating an impending stall signal when both of;
said difference values cross said first threshold value, and said first series of stress wave energy values are near said normal operating values. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for predicting an impending stall event for an apparatus, said system comprising:
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a first sensor provided at a first location on said apparatus for monitoring a first series of stress waves for generating a first sensor output signal; a second sensor provided at a second location on said apparatus for monitoring a second series of stress waves for generating a second sensor output signal; a first electric assembly for receiving said first series of stress waves said first electric assembly including a filter for filtering said first sensor output signal and also including a demodulator for demodulating said first sensor output signal to output a first pulse train; a processor adapted for processing said first pulse train into a first series of stress wave energy values, said processor also adapted for processing said second pulse train into a second series of stress wave energy values, wherein said processor utilizes said first series of stress wave energy values and said second series of stress wave energy values to generate derived values for comparing to a threshold value, said processor also adapted for determining whether said first series of stress wave energy values represent a normal operating condition, wherein said processor is adapted to generating an impending stall signal based on results of said comparing and said determining. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification