Wireless Sensor to Monitor Generator Control Unit and Main Power Relay Health

Sporian proposes to continue development ofa wireless sensor suite for rotorcraft Generator Control Unit (GCU) and Main Power Relay (MPR) health monitoring.This sensor suite will monitor the GCU for changes in component characteristics (e.g. resistance of relay contacts), temperature, vibration extremes, voltage surges, and other factors that will indicate the unit is close to the end of its service life.The sensor module will log event or time sequenced smart data for later ground based processing for prognostic and diagnostic estimations, then wirelessly transmit the logged data to maintenance personnel and/or a Health Monitoring and Usage System (HUMS) mounted on the rotorcraft.This system will also assist with Condition Based Maintenance CBM by indicating to maintenance personnel when a GCU system could fail or indicate another component is the problem. Phase II continuation efforts will focus on: continued collaboration with Army/OEMs to advance the technology and facilitate transition; incorporating system improvements identified during the current Phase II; working with industry stakeholders to develop flight capable interfaces and improved PHM capabilities; and demonstration of improved GCU monitoring system in a representative application environment.