INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTIC SYSTEMS CORP — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 19c

Description

The DOE seeks innovative embedded sensing systems to enhance control of industrial gas turbines- Although advanced sensor technology has been demonstrated in development turbine systems, the vast majority of sensors do not meet the requirements for deployment to production turbines- This prevents optimization of control using real- time, in situ sensor data- IFOS proposes development of an innovative, embedded-sensor-enabled control approach for industrial gas turbines (GT)- The IFOS concept leverages advanced existing fiber-optic sensing technology including ultra-thin, sub-50 mm diameter fibers- IFOS’ approach will enable measurement of turbine blade temperature and stress parameters that are closer to the harshest of turbine environments, and use this information to augment existing control schemes to decrease margins and thereby increase system efficiency- Conventional electronic sensors are relatively bulky and require multiple lead wires- Few sensors have been able to be deployed on production turbines- In IFOS’ approach, however, there are no ‘active’ components on the turbine blade or shaft – all optical signal processing and post-detection electronics are situated on stationary components in a relatively benign environment, removing the need for ultra-high- temperature electronics- IFOS will develop a methodology that can be matured to a production system enabling long-term benefits to the GT industry by supporting better controls, lower emissions, and longer life-