Abstract: A method and system for identifying combustion dynamics in a combustion chamber, includes an optical sensor that receives energy from a flame within the combustion chamber. A processor is configured to receive a first signal from the sensor indicative of energy at a first wavelength and a second signal indicative of energy at a second wavelength. The processor can generate a data set of combustion quality indicators from the first signal and the second signal. The processor can convert the data set of combustion quality indicators in a time domain to a combustion quality spectrum in a frequency domain. The processor can analyze the combustion quality spectrum to determine anomalies, wherein the anomalies indicate at least one frequency where combustion dynamics occur in the combustion chamber and output a signal indicative of the at least one frequency where combustion dynamics occur.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying combustion dynamics in a combustion chamber, includes an optical sensor that receives energy from a flame within the combustion chamber. A processor is configured to receive a first signal from the sensor indicative of energy at a first wavelength and a second signal indicative of energy at a second wavelength. The processor can generate a data set of combustion quality indicators from the first signal and the second signal. The processor can convert the data set of combustion quality indicators in a time domain to a combustion quality spectrum in a frequency domain. The processor can analyze the combustion quality spectrum to determine anomalies, wherein the anomalies indicate at least one frequency where combustion dynamics occur in the combustion chamber and output a signal indicative of the at least one frequency where combustion dynamics occur.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for determining interferometric data and spectral data associated with combustion conditions of a flame in a combustion chamber using a sensor head including a first vacuum cavity, a diaphragm operatively interfaced to an inner portion of the combustion chamber, and an optical sensor interrogator configured on a computing device and coupled to the sensor head via optical fibers. The optical sensor interrogator including an interferometer configured to determine interferometric data associated with the flame based on light transmitted and reflected via a first optical fiber and a spectrometer configured to determine spectral data associated with the flame based on light transmitted via a second optical fiber.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for determining interferometric data and spectral data associated with combustion conditions of a flame in a combustion chamber using a sensor head including a first vacuum cavity, a diaphragm operatively interfaced to an inner portion of the combustion chamber, and an optical sensor interrogator configured on a computing device and coupled to the sensor head via optical fibers. The optical sensor interrogator including an interferometer configured to determine interferometric data associated with the flame based on light transmitted and reflected via a first optical fiber and a spectrometer configured to determine spectral data associated with the flame based on light transmitted via a second optical fiber.

Abstract: A flame sensor detects the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits light. The flame sensor includes a body connectable with the combustion system. A photodetector is supported in the body. The photodetector responds to light emitted by the flame and generates an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the light. A window is supported in the body and located between the combustion system and photodetector. The window is susceptible to contamination from the combustion system and the contamination may decrease sensitivity of the photodetector. A light source is supported in the body. The light source emits light so that a predetermined amount of the light emitted by the light source reflects into the photodetector when contamination is present on the window and the photodetector generates a signal indicative of contamination on the window.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor for sensing specific characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The sensor includes a silicon carbide photodiode, and the sensor is spaced a distance from the combustion chamber. In addition, a fiber optic cable assembly extends between the sensor and the combustion chamber. The fiber optic cable can convey the specific characteristics of the flame from the combustion chamber to the sensor. The fiber optic cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing specific characteristics of a flame is also provided.

Abstract: A flame sensor detects the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits light. The flame sensor includes a body connectable with the combustion system. A photodetector is supported in the body. The photodetector responds to light emitted by the flame and generates an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the light. A window is supported in the body and located between the combustion system and photodetector. The window is susceptible to contamination from the combustion system and the contamination may decrease sensitivity of the photodetector. A light source is supported in the body. The light source emits light so that a predetermined amount of the light emitted by the light source reflects into the photodetector when contamination is present on the window and the photodetector generates a signal indicative of contamination on the window.

Abstract: A system for determination of presence of flames is provided. The system includes a photosensitive transducer configured to generate a response signal that is a function of electromagnetic radiation from a flame source. The system also includes a signal processing unit that includes a modulation unit and a demodulation unit. The modulation unit is configured to generate a modulated response signal by modulating the response signal with a modulation signal of frequency higher than that of an unwanted signal present the response signal. The demodulation unit is configured to determine an output signal by demodulating the modulated response signal. The demodulation unit eliminates the unwanted signal from the modulated response signal during the determination of the output signal. Further, the system also includes a processing unit configured to process the output signal to determine flame presence based on the intensity of the incident radiation from the flame.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor for sensing specific characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The sensor includes a silicon carbide photodiode, and the sensor is spaced a distance from the combustion chamber. In addition, a fiber optic cable assembly extends between the sensor and the combustion chamber. The fiber optic cable can convey the specific characteristics of the flame from the combustion chamber to the sensor. The fiber optic cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing specific characteristics of a flame is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of travel of a rotating component that includes a rotor shaft includes providing a self-contained magnetically-powered encoder. The encoder includes an encoder rotor that extends outward from a sealed housing such that a clearance gap is defined between the rotor and housing. The method also includes rotatably coupling the encoder to the rotor shaft. The method further includes measuring a first position of the encoder rotor and determining a first rotational position measurement of the rotor shaft based on the encoder rotor. The method also includes rotating the rotor shaft to a second rotational position and determining a direction of rotation and a second rotational position measurement of the rotor shaft using the encoder. The method further includes determining a total rotational distance traveled by the rotor shaft between the first rotational position and the second rotational position.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of travel of a rotating component that includes a rotor shaft includes providing a self-contained magnetically-powered encoder. The encoder includes an encoder rotor that extends outward from a sealed housing such that a clearance gap is defined between the rotor and housing. The encoder also includes at least one sensor configured to activate via magnetic flux and is configured to dissipate electrical signals with a power amplitude less than approximately one microwatt. The method also includes rotatably coupling the encoder to the rotor shaft. The method further includes measuring a first position of the encoder rotor and determining a first linear position measurement of the rotor shaft based on the encoder rotor. The method also includes rotating the rotor shaft to a second position and determining a direction of rotation and a second linear position measurement of the rotor shaft using the encoder.

Abstract: An encoder for use with a machine includes at least one moveable member. The encoder also includes at least one sensor configured to activate via magnetic flux and is configured to dissipate electrical signals with a power amplitude less than approximately one microwatt.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of travel of a rotating component that includes a rotor shaft includes providing a self-contained magnetically-powered encoder. The encoder includes an encoder rotor that extends outward from a sealed housing such that a clearance gap is defined between the rotor and housing. The encoder also includes at least one sensor configured to activate via magnetic flux and is configured to dissipate electrical signals with a power amplitude less than approximately one microwatt. The method also includes rotatably coupling the encoder to the rotor shaft. The method further includes measuring a first position of the encoder rotor and determining a first linear position measurement of the rotor shaft based on the encoder rotor. The method also includes rotating the rotor shaft to a second position and determining a direction of rotation and a second linear position measurement of the rotor shaft using the encoder.