Turbine Blade Emissivity Sensor

70036 The drive for higher efficiency and lower pollutant emission has necessitated the use of higher temperatures in commercial turbine engines. These higher temperatures result in degradation of the thermal barrier coating that is used on the turbine blades. Therefore, commercial gas turbine engine manufacturers require a sensor that can quickly sense this degradation. This project will develop a sensor that can continuously monitor the emissivity of the turbine blade, a reliable indicator of the degradation of its thermal barrier coating. Phase I will design the software and hardware for obtaining blade emissivity from a turbine engine at very high frequency and then experimentally evaluate the sensor. Potential operational problems that could decrease the lifetime of thermal barrier coatings will also be identified. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The emissivity sensor should be applicable in markets for land based power generation turbines and aircraft engines turbines.