Noncontact Torque Sensing for Performance and Health Monitoring

Performance degradation of large rotating equipment ¿ such as turbines, generators, motors, pumps and compressors ¿ can impose severe economic penalties on power plant owners. In addition, undiagnosed faulted conditions, such as shaft cracking, can lead to catastrophic failure of the equipment, which challenges safety systems and results in forced outages. Enhanced methods of monitoring performance and detecting internal defects in large rotating equipment are needed. Previous work has led to the development of a new, noncontact torque and load measuring capability based upon the patented Meandering Winding Magnetometer (MWM) and the Quadri-Directional Magnetic Stress Gage (QD-MSG). This project will adapt the MWM and QD-MSG technologies for noncontact torque and load sensing in nuclear and fossil power plant applications. In addition, the feasibility of using torque measurements to diagnose faulted conditions in rotating machinery will be assessed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The ability to monitor torque would provide important additional information to enable plant personnel to detect and monitor performance degradation in large rotating equipment, where even small changes can have a significant impact on overall plant performance. The new capability would provide power plant operators with a cost-effective means of improving their performance monitoring programs, maintaining plant efficiency, and reducing catastrophic equipment failures and forced outages.