Method and system for multi-functional embedded sensors

• US 9,551,620 B2
• Filed: 05/09/2012
• Issued: 01/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Singh, Prabhjot, Wang, Guanghua, Cheverton, Mark Allen, Popielarczyk, Jeffrey Joseph, Shiang, Joseph John
• Primary Examiner(s): LI, TRACY Y
• Application Number:
  US13/467,111
• Publication Number:
  US 20120293646A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,721 Days
• Field of Search: 348/82
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 17/02 Arrangement of sensing elements
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2260/80 Diagnostics
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/165 by means of a grating deformed by the object
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/34 the beams of light being detected by photocells
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 11/20 using thermoluminescent materials G01K11/32 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/02 for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/024 of moving gases
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 23/16 by photoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30164 Workpiece; Machine component
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/001 using an image reference approach
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/60 Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49124 On flat or curved insulated base, e.g., printed circuit, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49336 Blade making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49769 Using optical instrument [excludes mere human eyeballing]

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring system including a embedded sensor coupled to an article, wherein the embedded sensor is a direct write embedded sensor using a high temperature light emitting material. A camera system detects illumination signals from the embedded sensors. A processing section processes the illumination signals and determines gas/surface temperatures and strain data for the article.

Claims

1. An optical method for on-line monitoring of an article in a harsh environment, said method comprising:

exposing the article to the harsh environment;

acquiring an image of a light emitting sensor in direct contact with the article using a high-speed image acquisition system; and

analyzing the image using a high-speed data processing system to simultaneously provide a temperature map and a strain map of the article.

2. An optical method according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting sensor is formed on the article by a direct-write process.

3. An optical method according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises a temperature sensitive light emitting ceramic material.

4. An optical method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensitive light emitting ceramic material comprises a rare earth oxide or chromium oxide.

5. An optical method according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises chromium oxide.

6. An optical method according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises alumina doped with chromium.

7. An optical method according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises a rare earth oxide.

8. A monitoring system comprising:

a light emitting sensor in direct contact with an article,

a high-speed image acquisition system for detecting an optical image of the light emitting sensor; and

a high-speed data processing system for analyzing the image to simultaneously provide a temperature map of the article, and a strain map of the article.

9. A monitoring system according to claim 8, additionally comprising a pulsed light source for exciting the light emitting sensor.

10. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the pulsed light source comprises an LED array or a laser.

11. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting sensor is formed on the article by a direct-write process.

12. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises a temperature sensitive light emitting ceramic material.

13. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the temperature sensitive light emitting ceramic material comprises a rare earth oxide or chromium oxide.

14. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises chromium oxide.

15. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises alumina doped with chromium.

16. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises a rare earth oxide.

17. A method for manufacturing an article for use in a harsh environment, said method comprising

forming a light emitting sensor on a surface of the article by a direct write process;

interfacing the article with a high-speed image acquisition system and high-speed data processing system; and

configuring the high-speed image acquisition system and high-speed data processing system to acquire an image of the light emitting sensor in the harsh environment and to simultaneously provide a temperature map and a strain map of the article.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the article is a turbine blade.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein the light emitting sensor is formed on the article by a direct-write process.

20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises a temperature sensitive light emitting ceramic material.

21. A method according to claim 17, wherein the temperature sensitive light emitting ceramic material comprises a rare earth oxide or chromium oxide.

22. A method according to claim 17, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises chromium oxide.

23. A method according to claim 17, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises alumina doped with chromium.

24. A method according to claim 17, wherein the light emitting sensor comprises a rare earth oxide.