Abstract: A temperature monitor for monitoring plural locations on an electrical bus structure. The temperature monitor includes an infrared sensor for receiving infrared energy from a plurality of discrete predetermined locations on the bus structure, a first member defining a stationary first mask, a second member defining a rotating second mask, and a drive member driving the second member in rotation relative to the first member. Rotation of the second member relative to the first member defines an aperture translated across the first mask member to provide a moving line-of-sight that extends from the sensor and that scans to each of the discrete predetermined locations on the bus structure.

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: Apparatus and method for monitoring vibration levels in rotatable machinery (52). In one embodiment, a system (50) includes a source (66) for generating coherent radiation (70) and a first partially transmissive, partially reflective device (90) positioned to receive radiation (70) from the source (66) and transmit a part of the radiation there through. A second partially transmissive, partially reflective device (100) is mounted to the machinery (52), positioned to reflect a first signal (72) and transmit radiation (70) transmitted by the first device (90). A third device 104) is mounted to the machinery (52) and positioned to reflect radiation transmitted through the second device to provide a second signal (78).

Abstract: A method of measuring vibration in a bladed rotor structure with a vibration monitor. The vibration monitor includes a sensor for sensing passage of the sensor targets on radially outer portions of the blade structure, and the sensor generates signals corresponding to target passing events. An excitation structure is provided including at least one air jet for providing an excitation force to the blade structure. The blade structure is rotated about an axis of rotation and the air jet is driven in a circular path about the axis of rotation at a different rotational speed to apply a non-synchronous excitation force to the blade structure.

Abstract: A method of matching sensors in a multi-probe blade vibration monitor for a turbine. The method includes providing at least two probes mounted in a casing of the turbine adjacent to a rotating blade structure of the turbine. Targets are provided on radially outer portions of the blade structure. Each of the probes includes a sensor generating signals corresponding to target passing events, and a set of synchronous harmonics of the rotational speed of the rotor are produced for each sensor. The position of the sensors is adjusted such that the sets of harmonics of the sensors are substantially matched, indicating that the positions of the sensors are matched.

Abstract: A method of monitoring vibrations in a blade structure of a turbine including generating signals from a sensor located adjacent to a radial outer edge of the blade structure to sense passage of targets located on the blade structure. The sensor is mounted eccentrically and the signals are obtained with the sensor located at different angular positions. In a first aspect of the invention, the signals from the sensor are used to determine a target slope angle of a target on a first turbine blade during operation of the turbine. In a second aspect of the invention, the signals from the sensor are used to position the sensor in response to a sensed variation in the axial position of the target on the first turbine blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring vibrations in a blade structure of a turbine including generating signals from a probe located adjacent to a radial outer edge of the blade structure to provide signals corresponding to vibrations at predetermined locations along the tips of the blades. A leading edge of a blade tip is detected during a blade tracking operation, and a known location along the length of the blade tips is monitored during a vibration measurement operation. The measurement operation may be performed simultaneously with the tracking operation to provide measurements as the axial location of the blades change during transitional modes of operation of the turbine.

Abstract: An optical inspection system is for visually inspecting the blades of a turbine at turning gear operation. The inspection system includes an imager for capturing images of the blades, an optical passage coupled to the imager and structured to provide maximum viewing area of the blades through an inspection port in the turbine and an illuminating assembly adapted to illuminate the blades while the imager captures images thereof. A method wherein the captured blade images are inspected for blade defects, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature monitor for monitoring plural locations on an electrical bus structure. The temperature monitor includes an infrared sensor for receiving infrared energy from a plurality of discrete predetermined locations on the bus structure, a first member defining a stationary first mask, a second member defining a rotating second mask, and a drive member driving the second member in rotation relative to the first member. Rotation of the second member relative to the first member defines an aperture translated across the first mask member to provide a moving line-of-sight that extends from the sensor and that scans to each of the discrete predetermined locations on the bus structure.

Abstract: A method for predicting a blade structure failure within a coupled blade structure including a plurality of blades supported for rotation on a rotor and a shroud structure coupling the blades. The method includes the steps of determining displacements of a plurality of predetermined circumferential locations on the shroud structure during rotation of the blade row, where the displacements are provided as a function of time relative to the periodic rotation of the shroud structure for time intervals that are integer multiples of rotor rotation. A signal characteristic related to vibrational mode and a nodal diameter of the shroud structure is derived based on the displacements of the circumferential locations on the shroud structure.

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: 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: 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: Aspects of the invention are directed to a visual-based system and method for non-destructively evaluating an uncoated turbine engine component. Aspects of the invention are well suited for high speed, high temperature components. Radiant energy emitted from an uncoated turbine engine component can be captured remotely and converted into a useful form, such as a high resolution image of the component. A plurality of images of the component can be captured over time and evaluated to identify failure modes. The system can also measure and map the temperature and/or radiance of the component. The system can facilitate the non-destructive evaluation of uncoated turbine components during engine operation without disassembly of the engine, thereby providing significant time and cost savings. Further, the system presents data to a user with sufficient context that allows an engine operator can evaluate the information with an increased degree of confidence and certainty.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a blade vibration measuring system comprising a blade, a transmitter, a target with parallel edges located on the blade shroud and a receiver. The present invention also provides a blade adapted for measuring torsional blade vibration. Furthermore, the claimed invention provides a method for monitoring torsional blade vibration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring vibration levels in rotatable machinery (52). In one embodiment, a system (50) includes a source (66) for generating coherent radiation (70) and a first partially transmissive, partially reflective device (90) positioned to receive radiation (70) from the source (66) and transmit a part of the radiation there through. A second partially transmissive, partially reflective device (100) is mounted to the machinery (52), positioned to reflect a first signal (72) and transmit radiation (70) transmitted by the first device (90). A third device 104) is mounted to the machinery (52) and positioned to reflect radiation transmitted through the second device to provide a second signal (78).

Abstract: A wear determination device for determining vibration in a turbine engine component to reduce wear in a turbine engine. The wear determination device may be capable of measuring vibrations in a turbine engine component. The vibration measurement may be used to determine vibrations in a turbine engine to identify wear locations and sources of wear. The wear determination device may be configured such that multiple locations in a turbine engine may be monitored on a single turbine engine by moving the wear determination device from location to location.

Abstract: A wear determination device for determining-vibration in a turbine engine component to reduce wear in a turbine engine. The wear determination device may be capable of measuring vibrations in a turbine engine component. The vibration measurement may be used to determine vibrations in a turbine engine to identify wear locations and sources of wear. The wear determination device may be configured such that multiple locations in a turbine engine may be monitored on a single turbine engine by moving the wear determination device from location to location.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring the wear of turbo-machine components to reduce the likelihood of component failure while a turbine-machine is at load. The measurement device is capable of measuring and calculating a distance between surfaces while the turbo-machine is at load. The distance may be compared with a measurement taken of the same location at another time to determine wear of a surface remote from the location of the measurement. The measurement device may be configured such that multiple measurements may be made on a single turbine engine by moving the measurement device from location to location.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for assessing the condition of a thermal barrier coating on a turbine vane during engine operation. According to embodiments of the invention, one or more wires can be passed along the airfoil portion of the vane. The wires can extend over, within, or beneath the thermal coating. An electrical current can be passed along the wires, and electrical resistance can be measured across the wires. Thus, if a portion of the thermal coating becomes damaged, then the wires located in that area may break. A disconnect in the wires can lead to an increase in resistance across the wires, which can alert an operator to a problem. Some assessment systems can provide a general indication of the magnitude of damage and whether the damage is spreading.