Abstract: A vane for a gas turbine engine includes a cap arrangement having a cap insert and a cap adapted to receive the insert. The cap insert has a wall defining a through passage from top to bottom of the cap insert for receiving a cable or the like therethrough. The wall has a slot with a convoluted profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting device adapted for connecting a hub and a main shaft of a wind turbine. The connecting device comprises at least one sensor bolt connecting the hub and the main shaft, wherein a stress detection element is mounted inside the sensor bolt. The stress detection element is adapted to detect a length variation of the sensor bolt and to output a sensor signal indicative of the length variation of the sensor bolt. A signal output device is used for outputting the sensor signal which is indicative of a stress applied to the sensor bolt.

Abstract: A fan and a frame with a sensor-supporting structure are disclosed. The fan includes a frame with an inlet, a connecting portion disposed on the frame, a stator, and a rotor having blades and disposed in the frame. The frame includes a main body and a sensor-supporting structure. The sensor-supporting structure extending from the main body toward the inlet is utilized to support a sensor.

Abstract: A turbo machine includes a spool. A microwave detection system is configured to detect a spool parameter associated with the spool. A controller is in communication with the microwave position sensing system and is programmed to determine a spool condition, such as shaft torque and/or shear in response to the spool parameter.

Abstract: A measuring assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an indicia portion that extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of a ring seal structure to a location radially inwardly from tips of blades mounted on a rotor. The indicia portion of the measuring assembly comprises a section that is abraded by the blades during rotational movement of the rotor to provide a visual indication of a distance between the tips of the blades and the inner surface.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for operating a wind turbine is disclosed. For operating the wind turbine a set of operational data points are sensed via a sensing module. The set of operational data points may include bending stress values. Based on the bending stress values, a load scenario indicator value may be computed. Further, based on the set of operational data points a loading threshold value may be obtained. At least one operating parameter of the wind turbine is changed if the load scenario indicator value exceeds the loading threshold.

Abstract: An optical fiber wear detector that includes one or more FBG sensors positioned within the fiber that are operable to reflect a defined wavelength of an optical input beam. The wear detector includes a light source for generating the optical input beam that propagates down the optical fiber and interacts with the FBG sensor. The wavelength of the optical beam that is reflected by the FBG sensor is detected, where loss of the reflected signal indicates that the fiber before the FBG sensor or the FBG sensor itself is damaged, which would most likely be an indication of wear on the component. The depth of wear can be determined by providing multiple FBG sensors in a single optical fiber and/or providing multiple optical fibers with one or more FBG sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a rotating stall fault in a compressor (12) which is driven by means of a three-phase current motor (8) fed by an inverter. According to the invention, an instantaneous estimated value (^m) which is calculated from measured power converter output currents (iS1, iS2, iS3) and a measured rotational-speed-proportional signal (?) is compared with an instantaneous setpoint value (m*) determined from a measured rotational-speed-proportional signal (?) and a predetermined rotational-speed-proportional signal (?*), in such a way that in the case of inequality a signal (SRS) is generated which indicates that the rotating stall fault has occurred. In this way, it is possible for the rotating stall fault to be detected without pressure sensors and/or oscillation pickups in a compressor (12) which is driven with a three-phase current motor (8) fed by inverter.

Abstract: A system for reducing corrosion in a compressor includes a compressor blade having a corrosion potential. A sensor connected to the compressor blade generates a signal reflective of the corrosion potential. A power supply connected to the compressor blade at an electrical connection produces an electrical potential at the electrical connection. An electrolyte coats at least a portion of the sensor and the electrical connection. A method for reducing corrosion in a compressor includes sensing a corrosion potential of a compressor blade and generating a signal reflective of the corrosion potential. The method further includes generating an electrical potential at an electrical connection on the compressor blade and flowing an electrolyte over at least a portion of the compressor blade and the electrical connection.

Abstract: A foundation for supporting a structure is provided. The foundation includes a foundation body, at least one anchor bolt connecting a lower anchor plate and the structure, a magnetostrictive load measuring sensor for measuring loads on the at least one anchor bolt, the magnetostrictive load measuring sensor being positioned within the foundation body.

Abstract: A wind turbine system is provided for geographic regions having multiple soil layers, such as permafrost. The wind turbine includes a plurality of blades mounted to a nacelle on top of a tower. The tower is supported by a foundation that extends through or into the multiple soil layers. The wind turbine monitors the condition of a top layer of soil and calculates a natural frequency for the wind turbine system based on the changes to the layer of soil. Changes in operation of the wind turbine are made in response to changes in the natural frequency of the wind turbine system.

Abstract: A wind energy systems includes a shroud for each turbine. The shroud is adapted to direct and accelerate wind towards the turbine. A strong adaptable support assembly is provided for securing turbines to a structure. An air glide yaw assembly facilitates rotational movement of the structure allowing the turbines to face oncoming wind. The turbine blades are optimized for use with a shroud.

Abstract: A method of establishing a wheel space temperature alarm in a turbomachine includes calculating an expected wheel space temperature based on operating conditions, measuring an actual wheel space temperature, and signaling an over temperature condition if the actual wheel space temperature exceeds the expected wheel space temperature.

Abstract: A compressor rotor 6a and a turbine rotor 7a are respectively attached at either end of the main shaft 13 so that the compressor rotor 6a is driven by the power generated by the turbine rotor 7a. The main shaft 13 is supported by rolling contact bearings 15 and 16 relative to the radial direction. The thrust force applied to the main shaft 13 is supported by electromagnets 17. A sensor 18 is provided to detect the thrust force which affects the main shaft 13 through air within the compressor 6 and the expansion turbine 7. In the sensor 18, sensor elements having the properties changeable in accordance with a pressing force and capable to electrically detect the change in the properties are arranged in a circumferential direction of the main shaft. The sensor 18 detects the thrust force from the output of the sensor elements.

Abstract: A method for operating an off-shore wind turbine and a wind-turbine is provided. The off-shore wind turbine is at least temporarily situated in water and includes a rotor with at least one rotor blade and a pitch drive system coupled to the at least one rotor blade. The pitch drive system is adapted for pitching the at least one rotor blade, wherein the wind turbine further includes a wind turbine control. The method includes determining at least one of a water condition; in dependence of the outcome of the determining, defining peak shaver settings; and pitching the at least one rotor blade according to the peak shaver settings. Furthermore, the wind turbine has a sensor adapted for measuring one of the water current-speed, the water current direction and the water level at or close to the wind turbine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a sight tube configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine via insertion within an inspection port. The sight tube includes a window and multiple openings configured to direct purge air across the window. The system also includes a curtain tube disposed about the sight tube and configured to direct purge air from a first air source to the openings via a first passage formed between an inner surface of the curtain tube and an outer surface of the sight tube. The curtain tube includes multiple outlets configured to direct curtain air around the window, and the curtain tube is configured to direct the curtain air from a second air source to the outlets via a second passage formed between an outer surface of the curtain tube and an inner surface of the inspection port.

Abstract: A hub unit adapted for use in a monitoring system that monitors engine performance parameters of a gas turbine engine. The hub unit includes a housing, at least one signal conditioning circuit board within the housing and adapted to receive the analog sensor outputs from the sensors, and a control circuit board within the housing, connected to the signal conditioning circuit board, and adapted to produce digital data corresponding to analog sensor outputs. The control circuit board and the signal conditioning circuit board each comprise electrical circuit components that define an analog signal processing path and have accuracy and precision characteristics that drift in response to component aging and to changes in the temperature to which the hub unit is subjected. The hub unit performs a continuous calibration scheme to determine and remove errors in the analog signal processing path resulting from the drifts of the electrical circuit components.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring radial motion of a rotating shaft of a turbocharger. The turbocharger includes a compressor and a turbine coupled to opposing ends of the shaft. The system includes a thrust collar including a cylindrical portion and a flange configured to radially extend from one end of the cylindrical portion. The thrust collar is configured to rotate with the shaft. A sensor is positioned within a separation of an outer surface of the thrust collar flange, and the sensor is configured to monitor the separation as indicative of the radial motion of the shaft. Additionally, a method is provided for monitoring radial motion of a rotating shaft of a turbocharger.

Abstract: The method for the model-based monitoring of a turbomachine by means of a monitoring unit which receives relevant process parameters of the turbomachine, carries out calculations on the basis of these parameters and, as a result, determines one or more state values, by means of which the state of the turbomachine can be assessed, the calculations of the state values being carried out on the basis of one or more physical models of at least one subsystem of the turbomachine, wherein the at least one subsystem is an axial bearing of the turbomachine, and the one or more state values are selected from the axial thrust force, the axial bearing load and the axial shaft attitude.

Abstract: A plug for an inspection hole of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The plug may have a stem including a first shaft, wherein a first seal is located circumferentially about the first shaft. The plug may have a swivel seal including a second seal spaced from a ball by a second shaft, and the swivel seal may be rotatably connected to the stem by the ball. The ball and the second seal may be fixed to the second shaft.

Abstract: Provided are corrosive environment monitoring systems and methods whereby corrosive factors are measured in a steam turbine and a corrosive environment is correctly monitored. More specifically, provided is a corrosive environment monitoring system which measures corrosive factors having a part in damaging and deteriorating structural members in a steam turbine and which is configured in such a way that steam in the steam turbine is permitted to flow into the corrosive environment monitoring system. Furthermore, in the steam turbine, there are provided a condensing mechanism which condenses steam that has flowed in and a corrosive factor measuring device which is equipped with corrosive factor sensors that measure corrosive factors in condensed water generated by the condensing mechanism.

Abstract: A method for assembling a sensor assembly for use with a turbomachine is provided. The method includes providing a cover that includes a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion. A cavity is defined within the first portion. Moreover, a sensing device that is configured to measure at least one variable of a component of the turbomachine is inserted into the cavity. The second portion is removably coupled to a surface of the turbomachine component such that the cover securely couples the sensing device to the turbomachine component.

Abstract: Turbomachine component and turbomachine outfitted therewith. The turbomachine component has a sensor unit arranged at the turbomachine component. The sensor unit has a sensor for detecting a parameter to be monitored and a transmitter for sending a measurement signal corresponding to the parameter to an evaluation unit of the turbomachine for processing. The transmitter of the sensor unit sends an encoded identification signal to the evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, this encoded identification signal contains an identification code that identifies the sensor unit. The sensor unit is configured such that the sensor unit cannot be separated from the turbomachine component without functional destruction of the sensor unit.

Abstract: In one form a maintenance device includes a flexible member with an inspection end sized to be inserted through an inspection port of a workpiece such as a gas turbine engine or a blade of a gas turbine engine. The maintenance device includes a directed energy member that in one form is configured to produce a double pulse laser with an interval time between a first one of the pulses and a second one of the pulses greater than the time of either the first one of the pulses or the second one of the pulses. The first one of the pulses is sufficiently powerful to produce a quantity of debris upon irradiation of the workpiece. The debris produced from the first one of the pulses can be evaporated by the second one of the pulses to eliminate and/or reduce a recast layer on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of detecting rubs during operation of a turbomachine comprising at least one rotating object having a tip and a shelf is provided. The method includes generating signals representative of a sensed parameter and processing the signals to generate height versus time data for the tip. The height of the tip corresponds to the distance between the tip and the shelf. The method further includes monitoring the height versus time data, in order to determine whether a change in the height data exceeds a threshold value, and detecting a rub of the rotating object(s) on a second object, when the change in the height data exceeds the threshold value. A rub detection system for a turbomachine and a turbine engine system with rub detection are also provided.

Abstract: Operations of a turbine to generate energy from a relatively slow fluid flow, such as wind and water, are described. The turbine has a plurality of foils rotating about a central axis at a rotational velocity, each of the foils having a length and a foil axis parallel to the length and the central axis with each of the foils rotatable about its foil axis. From determinations of a velocity of the fluid flow, and angular location of each foil and the rotational velocity about the central axis, an attack angle of each foil is controlled with respect to the direction of fluid flow about the foil axis responsive to the velocity of the fluid flow, the angular location of the foil and the rotational velocity as the foil rotates about the central axis.

Abstract: A device for detecting breakage of a turbomachine shaft is disclosed. The device includes a shaft having an upstream end and a downstream end; a rod having an upstream end and a downstream end, and placed coaxially inside the shaft, the downstream end of the rod being securely fastened to the downstream end of the shaft and the upstream end of the rod being free to rotate relative to the upstream and of the shaft; and a sensor suitable for detecting a difference in speed of rotation between the upstream end of the rod and the upstream end of the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus comprises a shaft having a rotational axis, a rotation indicator formed on the shaft, a target feature proximate the rotation indicator, and a sensor proximate the target feature. The target feature extends circumferentially about the shaft, with a radial face transverse to the rotational axis and a circumferential face along the rotational axis. The sensor is oriented toward the rotation indicator to sense a rotational speed of the shaft, and oriented toward the target feature to sense transverse vibrations based on a radial distance to the target feature and longitudinal vibrations based on an axial distance to the target feature.

Abstract: A torque monitoring apparatus is disclosed herein. The torque monitoring apparatus includes a hub extending along an axis of rotation between first and second opposite ends. The torque monitoring apparatus also includes a plurality of spokes positioned on the hub and extending radially outward from the hub to respective distal ends. The torque monitoring apparatus also includes a plurality of projections spaced from the plurality of spokes along the axis of rotation. Each of the plurality of projections extends radially outward from the hub to respective distal ends. The plurality of projections are thinner along the axis than the plurality of spokes.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system that mitigates vibrations caused by cooling fans in a computer system. More specifically, the system includes a cooling fan mechanically coupled to the chassis of the computer system, wherein vibrations generated by the cooling fan are coupled to the chassis. The system also includes an actuation mechanism that creates a relative displacement between the cooling fan and the chassis when a control signal is applied to the actuation mechanism. The system additionally includes a detection mechanism which detects the relative displacement and generates a feedback signal which represents the relative displacement. The system further includes a control signal generation mechanism which converts the feedback signal into the control signal, which is subsequently applied to the actuation mechanism. When the control signal is applied to the actuation mechanism, the relative displacement between the cooling fan and the chassis vibrationally decouples the cooling fan from the chassis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the calibration of at least one sensor (11-14) of a wind power plant (10). The invention also relates to a wind power plant (10). The calibration process according to the invention is captured by the at least one sensor (11-14). The measurement value (30, 31), which is a measure for the load of a component (15-17), is evaluated, wherein the wind power plant has at least the moveable component (15, 15?, 15?, 16, 17), wherein the component (15-17) is pivoted or rotated around a predeterminable axis (19, 20). The wind power plant according to the invention is provided with a calibration module for the automatic calibration of at least one sensor (11-14), which measures the load of a movable component (15-17) of the wind power plant.

Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a combustion duct of a combustion system of a combustion turbine engine while the combustion turbine engine operates, wherein the combustion duct comprises a hot side, which is exposed to combustion gases and, opposing the hot side, a cold side. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a photodetector aimed at the cold side of the combustion duct, the photodetector being configured to detect a visible change to the cold side of the combustion duct.

Abstract: A method is provided for wirelessly monitoring an aircraft propulsion system having a plurality of rotor blades, at least some of which rotor blades have an internal compartment. The method includes: providing a primary transducer having a primary coil, and one or more secondary transducers, each secondary transducer having a secondary coil connected to a sensor, wherein the secondary transducers are respectively disposed within the internal compartments; wirelessly powering the secondary transducers using a magnetic field generated by the primary transducer; monitoring at least one operational parameter from within each internal compartment using a respective sensor; and transmitting output signals from the secondary transducers to the primary transducer through the magnetic field, wherein the output signals are indicative of the monitored parameters.

Abstract: A machine includes a static member and a moving member. The moving member includes a central hub and a moving component. The moving component includes a first end portion fixedly connected to the central hub, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The second end portion of the moving member is spaced from the static member so as to form a gap. A transmitting element is mounted to one of the static member and the moving member. The transmitting element emits an acoustic wave having a predetermined frequency across the gap. A receiving element is mounted to the other of the static member and the moving member. The receiving element receives the acoustic wave from the transmitting element. The machine further includes a controller that determines a clearance distance extending between the moving member and the static member based on the acoustic wave passing across the gap.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first member and a second member, the first member including a first material composition and the second member including a second material composition. The first and second material compositions each include one or more isotopes of the same element, which are arranged to permit distinguishing between the first and second members or 0 parts thereof.

Abstract: An impeller device (10) for centrifugal fans (1), having comprising a center wheel (40), at least one side disc (20, 30) and fan blades (50). The center wheel (40) and the side disc(s) (20, 30) are equipped with attachment devices (24, 44) for attaching the blades and the center wheel's (40) attachment device (44) comprises a protrusion (45) extending substantially in the center wheel's radial direction and arranged to abut against the second side end (54) in the fan blades (50).

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal for a turbomachine including at least one fixed component located proximate to a rotating component of the turbomachine defining a clearance therebetween. At least one magnet is located at the at least one fixed component. The at least one magnet is, when activated, capable of moving the at least one fixed component thereby adjusting the clearance between the fixed component and the rotating component. Further disclosed is a turbomachine utilizing the seal and a method for adjusting a position of at least one fixed component of a turbomachine.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an abnormal vibration detection unit which is capable of stopping a wind turbine generator in a case of detecting excessive vibration that poses danger and is designed suitably for the failure detection. The abnormal vibration detection unit comprises first and second acceleration detectors, a calculation device which receives a first analog output signal that is outputted from the first acceleration detector, a filtering relay which receives a second analog output signal that is outputted from the second acceleration detector, and a safety system which performs an emergency stop of the wind turbine generator in accordance with a state of an output terminal of the filtering relay. The filtering relay comprises a filter circuit part that performs filtering process to extract a predetermined frequency component from the second analog output signal.

Abstract: A mount includes a mounting bolt attached to a casing; an internal bushing that engages the casing at a distal end of the internal bushing; and an external bushing that engages a manifold and engages the internal bushing. The internal bushing is adjustable with respect to the external bushing thereby allowing the manifold to be adjustable with respect to the casing.

Abstract: An elongated member of a wind turbine is disclosed which is potentially subject to strain and which comprises a sensor unit for determining the deflection and/or strain of the elongated member between a first point and a second point, which are assigned to the same side of the elongated member, and the sensor unit comprises a proximity sensor for determining the distance between the second point and a third point, the third point being connected to the first point by an inflexible support, the distance between the first point and the third point being considerably longer than the distance between the second point and the third point, wherein the sensor unit comprises a compressible and/or stretchable element located between the second point and the third point. Moreover, a wind turbine rotor blade and a tower of a wind turbine, each comprising a previously described elongated member, are disclosed.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade inspection system includes a frequency modulated continuous wave radar system configured to be movable with respect to a wind turbine blade while transmitting reference microwave signals and receiving reflected microwave signals and a processor configured for using a synthetic aperture analysis technique to obtain a focused image of at least a region of the wind turbine blade based on the reflected microwave signals.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring rub detection in a machine are provided. An alternating current voltage signal may be transmitted or communicated to at least one component of the machine. The transmitted signal may be monitored in the at least one component and at least one characteristic associated with the monitored signal may be compared to an expected value for the at least one characteristic. Based at least in part on the comparison, a rub condition or potential rub condition may be identified between the at least one component and another component of the machine.

Abstract: A steam turbine includes a shaft operatively connecting a first turbine section and a second turbine section. A packing assembly is positioned about the shaft. A first conduit is fluidly connected to the packing assembly. The first conduit is configured to introduce a flow of low temperature, low pressure steam to the packing assembly. A second conduit is also fluidly connected to the packing assembly downstream from the first turbine section and upstream from the first conduit. The second conduit receives a portion of the high temperature, high pressure steam passing into the packing assembly from the first turbine section. A valve is fluidly connected to the second conduit. The valve is configured to be selectively operated so as to allow the high temperature, high pressure steam to mix with the low pressure, low temperature steam in the second conduit.

Abstract: A turbine for use with a turbine generator, the turbine including at least one turbine blade for positioning in a flowpath, a hub mounting the at least one turbine blade, and a rotatable shaft in operational communication with the hub via a hinge assembly, an axis of the hub being independent of an axis of the shaft. The hinge assembly is disposed between the shaft and the hub and configured to adjust an angle therebetween. A controller assembly is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the hinge assembly during turbine operation. In one embodiment the operational characteristic is a teeter angle of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment operational characteristic is a stiffness or damping force. Methods for using and controlling a fluid turbine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is disclosed. The control system includes a sensor configured to detect an operating condition of the radar system; a processor configured to receive an operating condition of the wind turbine and determine a rotation modification sequence based on the operating condition of the radar system and the operating condition of the wind turbine; and a controller configured to apply the rotation modification sequence to the wind turbine. A method of mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining total pressure distribution across a fan entry plane of a fan situated within a fan casing provided with struts which are positioned upstream of the fan, with respect to the normal air flow direction through the fan.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of one or more fluids in a rotating component of a gas turbine engine. A first reflector structure includes a first face that receives light from the light source. The first reflector structure reflects at least a substantial portion of the received light from the light source if a second face thereof is in the presence of a first fluid and does not reflect a substantial portion of the received light from the light source if the second face is in the presence of a second fluid. A reflection receiver structure receives light reflected by the first reflector structure. If the reflection receiver structure receives a first predetermined amount of light reflected by the first reflector structure it can be determined that the second face of the first reflector structure is not in the presence of the second fluid.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed to rotate with respect to a stationary component. A foil bearing is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component and configured to rotatably support the rotary component. A fiber optic sensing system including one or more fiber optic sensors is disposed in the foil bearing and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the foil bearing.

Abstract: A circuit assembly (34) resistant to high-temperature and high g centrifugal force is disclosed. A printed circuit board (42) is first fabricated from alumina and has conductive traces of said circuit formed thereon by the use of a thick film gold paste. Active and passive components of the circuit assembly are attached to the printed circuit board by means of gold powder diffused under high temperature. Gold wire is used for bonding between the circuit traces and the active components in order to complete the circuit assembly (34). Also, a method for manufacturing a circuit assembly resistant to elevated temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine assembly (10, 90, 100, 200) comprising, a rotor (20) having a plurality of blades (30), and a shroud (40) at least partially enclosing the rotor (20) and adapted to expose a portion of the rotor (20).