Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and blades of a combustion turbine relies on a piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect, or tribo-charging generated within the coating. Gas flowing through the turbine will apply pressure to the vanes and blades, resulting in a strain on the blades and vanes, and causing friction as it passes the vanes and blades. An electric current is generated between the coating and vane or blade, either by a pressure-induced piezoelectric effect, a strain-induced electrostrictive effect, or friction-induced tribo-charging. This current causes a radio frequency signal, which can be detected by a high temperature antenna as the blade passes the antenna. One blade may be intentionally designed to produce a signal different from the remaining blades, thereby becoming a marking blade. After amplification and filtering, the radio signals may be analyzed and stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and blades of a combustion turbine relies on a piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect, or tribo-charging generated within the coating. Gas flowing through the turbine will apply pressure to the vanes and blades, resulting in a strain on the blades and vanes, and causing friction as it passes the vanes and blades. An electric current is generated between the coating and vane or blade, either by a pressure-induced piezoelectric effect, a strain-induced electrostrictive effect, or friction-induced tribo-charging. This current causes a radio frequency signal, which can be detected by a high temperature antenna as the blade passes the antenna. One blade may be intentionally designed to produce a signal different from the remaining blades, thereby becoming a marking blade. After amplification and filtering, the radio signals may be analyzed and stored.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.