Self-Powered Wireless Sensors for Fossil Energy Based Turbine Systems

SelfPowered wireless sensors are needed on hightemperature rotating turbine engine components for real time sensing of component health. Conventional temperature, pressure and strain sensors use wired connections and slip rings which are not desired. Conventional wireless technology uses transmitters containing active semiconductors which degrade upon high temperature exposure. Although numerous wireless sensor products exist for industrial wireless sensing, powering the sensors and their use in high temperature environments remain key technical limiters for broad industrial market applicability. The temperature sensitivity and limited life of the batteries remains a major impediment to their application in high temperature regions of power generation facilities. DirectWriteThermalSpray Technology developed by MesoScribe Technologies can deposit lowprofile, passive wireless sensors directly onto conformal turbine components and embed the sensors within protective coatings to maximize durability and minimize air flow turbulence. Based on this technology and KCF Technologies expertise in the areas of high temperature sensing, energy harvesting, and ultralow power wireless sensors, we will develop selfpowered, passive wireless, hightemperature sensors for in situ measurement of temperature, strain and pressure inside gas turbines for power generation systems.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Sensors for structural health monitoring are in high demand, spanning a range of industries including power generation, commercial and military aviation, aerospace structures and transportation. Steam turbines and gas turbines used in the power generation industry are examples of critical equipment that must operate at top performance to provide the low cost electricity that drives the U.S. economy.