Self Powered Wireless Sensor System for Power Generation Applications

Condition-based Maintenance (CBM) systems significantly improve the effectiveness of maintenance programs for complex systems by optimizing the timing and focus of the procedure. The approach minimizes the associated costs. The proposed sensor system enables CBM sensors to be easily added to existing plants and equipment. The proposed system includes a unique power supply that utilizes waste heat from the plant equipment. In addition, the system eliminates most system interconnects through its wireless networked architecture of individual sensor nodes. The proposed system provides pressure and temperature sensors that may be used in the hot sections of turbine engines and mounted on rotating components. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The system and its individual temperature and pressure sensors will be effectively utilized in the development phases of power plant equipment such as gas and steam turbines. In addition the proposed system is the core of a health and usage monitoring subsystem for CBM for new plant construction and existing plant updates.