Abstract: An optical measurement device for measuring strain related to deformation of a deformable surface of a component. The optical measurement device includes a fiber tension structure including opposing longitudinal end sections attached to the deformable surface. An optical fiber is tensioned by the fiber tension structure and includes a section defining a Bragg grating. The fiber tension structure includes a displaceable portion for forming a structural break between the longitudinal end sections where the fiber tension structure separates to form a gap between the first and second longitudinal end sections. The longitudinal end sections are movable independently of each other after formation of the structural break in the fiber tensioning structure.

Abstract: System and computer program product for non-destructively inspecting and characterizing micro-structural features in a thermal barrier coating (TBC) on a component, wherein the micro-structural features define pores and cracks, if any, in the TBC. The micro-structural features having characteristics at least in part based on a type of process used for developing the TBC and affected by operational thermal loads to which a TBC is exposed. In one embodiment, the method allows detecting micro-structural features in a TBC, wherein the detecting of the micro-structural features is based on energy transmitted through the TBC, such as may be performed with a micro-feature detection system 20. The transmitted energy is processed to generate data representative of the micro-structural features, such as may be generated by a controller 26. The data representative of the micro-structural features is processed (e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal plate system adapted to fit between axially adjacent turbine blades and turbine vanes to seal a rim cavity. The seal plate system may be formed from a seal plate supported by a plurality of extended disk lugs extending from a disk. The seal plate system may also include one or more extended disk lug receiving cavities adapted to receive protrusions extending from the disc. One or more ribs may extend from the seal plate for increasing the structural integrity of the seal plate.

Abstract: A power generator unit condition monitoring system can receive a frequency profile generated by a frequency generating component and can transmit the received frequency to a frequency profile analyzer. The frequency profile analyzer analyzes the transmitted frequency profile and compares the profile against a database. The database can stores normal and abnormal frequency profiles.

Abstract: Fabricating a refractory component for a gas turbine engine, such as a turbine shroud ring segment, by arranging refractory fiber tows (24) in a flaired tubular geometry (20) comprising a stem portion (21) and a funnel-shaped portion (22); impregnating the refractory fibers (24) with a ceramic matrix to form a flaired tube (20) of ceramic composite matrix material; at least partially filling the funnel-shaped portion (22) with a ceramic core (30) extending beyond the end of the funnel-shaped portion to provide a working gas containment surface (31); curing the flaired tube (20) and the ceramic core (30) together; cutting the funnel-shaped portion (22) to provide rectangular edges (27); and providing an attachment mechanism (34, 36, 38, 40) on the stem portion (21) for attaching the component to a surrounding support structure. Additional tows (24) may be introduced at intermediate stages to maintain a desired fabric density.

Abstract: An extended flashback annulus (520) is formed between an exterior surface (506) of a shroud or casing (508) associated with a main swirler assembly inner body (500) or other fuel/air mixing device and the inner surface (514) of an annulus casting (510) which are in operational relationship with one another in a gas turbine combustor assembly. The extended flashback annulus (520) is capable of forming an extended protective cylindrical air barrier (550) that extends farther into the combustion zone, this barrier being more robust and providing for the reduction or prevention of flashback to the baseplate and other heat-susceptible upstream components.

Abstract: A combustion catalyst coating (36) applied to the surface of a ceramic thermal barrier coating (34) which is supported by a metal substrate (32). The microstructure of the thermal barrier coating surface provides the necessary turbulent flow and surface area for interaction of the catalyst and a fuel-air mixture in a catalytic combustor of a gas turbine engine. The temperature gradient developed across the thermal barrier coating protects the underlying metal substrate from a high temperature combustion process occurring at the catalyst surface. The thermal barrier coating deposition process may be controlled to form a microstructure having at least one feature suitable to interdict a flow of fuel-air mixture and cause the flow to become more turbulent than if such feature did not exist.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant (20) including a main air-cooled condenser (22) condensing steam at a first pressure and an auxiliary air-cooled condenser (24) condensing steam at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. Designing an air-cooled combined cycle power plant for startup on a hot day can significantly increase the size and cost of the required air-cooled condenser. Adding an auxiliary air-cooled condenser having appropriate thermal characteristics relative to a main air cooled compressor to the steam bypass circuit of an air-cooled combined cycle power plant enables the plant to meet plant startup requirements during periods of peak thermal load in a more cost effective manner than would be achievable with the main air cooled condenser alone.

Abstract: An electrical assembly for use in various operating environments such as a casing of a combustion turbine 10 is provided. The assembly may include an electrical energy-harvesting device 51 disposed in a component within the casing of the turbine to convert a form of energy present within the casing to electrical energy. The harvesting device is configured to generate sufficient electrical power for powering one or more electrical devices therein without assistance from an external power source. One example of electrical devices wholly powered by the energy harvesting device may be a sensor 50 connected for sensing a condition of the component within the casing during operation of the combustion turbine. Another example of electrical devices wholly powered by the energy harvesting device may be a transmitter in communication with the sensor for wirelessly transmitting the data signal outside the casing.

Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the horizontal stacking of laminations 10 and donuts to form a stator core. A stator generator frame 2 has multiple keybars 6 that run the axial length of the frame. The laminations 10 have grooves 12 there-in that engage the keybars to provide a secure fit of the laminations to the generator frame. By extending two or more of the keybars 6, these extensions 7 may be used as rails on which the laminations may be horizontally inserted into the stator frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hybrid structure (100) having a layer of CMC material (28) defining an interior passageway (24) and a layer of ceramic insulating material (18) lining the passageway. The method includes the step of casting the insulating material to a first thickness required for effective casting but in excess of a desired second thickness for use of the hybrid structure. An inner mold (14) defining a net shape desired for the passageway remains in place after the casting step to mechanically support the insulating material during a machining process used to reduce the thickness of the insulating material from the as-cast first thickness to the desired second thickness. The inner mold also provides support as the CMC material is deposited onto the insulating material. The inner mold may include a fugitive material portion (20) to facilitate its removal after the CMC material is formed.

Abstract: A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having an elbowed film cooling hole positioned in an outer wall defining the turbine airfoil. The elbowed film cooling hole may include a first section extending from an inner surface of the outer wall into the outer wall, an elbow coupled to the first section in the outer wall, a second section attached to the elbow in the outer wall, and a diffusion slot attached to the second section, having an increasing width moving away from the second section, and extending to an opening in an outer surface of the outer wall. The cross-sectional areas of the first section, the elbow and the second section may be substantially equal to meter the flow of cooling fluids through the cooling system to efficiently add to the film cooling layer.

Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine such as a generator engine, and a power converter such as an inverter, includes an engine cooling circuit, a power converter cooling circuit and a common coolant tank operatively coupled to both the engine and the power converter via the engine cooling circuit and the power converter cooling circuit respectively.

Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine such as a generator engine, and a power converter such as an inverter, includes an engine cooling circuit, a power converter cooling circuit and a common coolant tank operatively coupled to both the engine and the power converter via the engine cooling circuit and the power converter cooling circuit respectively.

Abstract: A method of controlling a cooling system is provided for a hybrid power system that includes an engine that employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.

Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a 110 V genset to a transfer switch feeding a 220 V service entrance such that all 220 V loads are automatically blocked out and all 110 V circuits are accessed. The method includes wiring of the genset to the transfer switch such that the two hot 220 V terminals on the genset entrance side of the transfer switch are connected together and wired to the hot 110 V side of the genset. The neutral lead of the transfer switch is connected to the neutral side of the genset, as per normal practice.

Abstract: A fluid fill/storage/overflow reservoir/tank suitable for use with, for example, a liquid cooled engine, includes a clip-in provision for an oil stick tube that does not require removal of the oil stick tube from an engine assembly upon removal of the fluid fill/storage/overflow reservoir/tank from the engine assembly.