Novel Polymer Derived Ceramic Thermal Anemometer for Gas Turbine Coolant Bleed Flow Rate Measurement

As current gas turbine engines operate with hot gas temperatures well beyond the melting temperatures of the materials used within the machine, cooling of these components is a crucial aspect of engine performance. In flight knowledge of the levels of coolant air bled from the compressor serve multiple purposes; including aiding in situational awareness & assessing maximum engine capabilities, as well as improved maintenance planning. The open literature has also detailed the potential performance benefits associated with reduced coolant usage, which may only be possible through accurate monitoring. Although technologies currently exist to allow these measurements, they are not optimal solutions for in-flight measurements; especially considering the harsh conditions such a sensor would be exposed to. Additionally, as bio-fuels for aviation become more prevalent, knowledge of engine performance becomes even more critical. In this project proposed by Spectral Energies, LLC in partnership with University of Central Florida (UCF), a novel polymer derived ceramic (PDC) thermal anemometer sensor, similar in operation to a conventional hot wire anemometer, will be designed and developed. As this breakthrough in material technology has already shown feasibility for sensor design in the gas turbine hot gas path, it will serve as an optimal solution for this flow measurement issue; providing an accurate, robust, fast response, light weight sensor for in flight measurements. Several benefits are immediately realized from the PDC, including resistance to thermal, structural, and abrasive failures, as well as ease of implementation. In addition, collaboration with UCF provides Spectral Energies with a multi-disciplinary team, experienced with PDC’s and flow measurements, helping to transition the proposed technologies to the commercial sector.