Introducing the TurboTrack Rotating Temperature Measurement System
Sensatek is excited to announce that 6 patents have been fully issued for the revolutionary TurboTrackTM temperature measurement system. This system of wireless RF sensors assists in monitoring the health, temperature trends, and efficiency of turbine engines on rotating components. It’s currently in use for energy production gas turbine engines, aerospace, and other applications, where it has already reduced costs and accelerated the testing process through simple installation, high instrument survivability, and nuanced data insights.
A Continuous Temperature Measurement System
TurboTrackTM does not include single or limited-use turbine engine testing sensors that survive through one test and then require re-instrumentation for further testing. Sensatek’s sensors are intended to remain in the engine for extended periods and provide continuous data during test stands or even in the field. They have the reliability and survivability to last the lifetime of most engines at base operating conditions, providing continuous measurements for aircraft engine health monitoring, turbine power generation fleet monitoring, and more.
Real Time Data Displays
Unlike some other sensor systems, TurboTrackTM provides insights in real-time at numerous data points throughout the engine, for a robust and continuous life model of temperature and engine health. Using only one access port for the antenna, it’s possible to gather data from dozens or even hundreds of sensors affixed to individual turbine blades. Few turbine engine testing sensors can compare with the detailed, accurate, and visual displays of temperature trends made possible by TurboTrackTM .
Accelerate Your Testing Process
TurboTrackTM can be deployed in-situ on gas turbine engine blades and other hard-to-reach places without continuously dismantling the engine. This rapidly accelerates the testing process while simultaneously reducing costs and saving time. You’ll eliminate cumbersome engine teardowns, modifications for wiring, management of slip rings and cables, and other time-consuming and expensive processes typically associated with sensor installation and maintenance.
The high survivability of Sensatek’s TurboTrackTM temperature measurement system also means installation is one-and-done. Put all of your measurements in place and reap the benefits of our durable ceramic polymer-derived industrial temperature sensors that have been designed to withstand 10,000 hours in continuous operation for extensive, ongoing health monitoring at up to 1,300°C.
Accuracy & Efficiency With On-Blade Sensors
Non-contact temperature sensors such as infrared or optical technologies can suffer from inaccuracy at higher temperatures (due to emissivity errors). On-blade contact sensors detect surface temperatures directly through contact with the turbine blade, for near-perfect accuracy at a fraction of the price per measurement versus an IR camera or pyrometer.
With TurboTrackTM from Sensatek, you’ll be able to achieve:
- More accurate measurements on rotating and stationary components
- Passive, continuous, and wireless health monitoring for robust trend data
- Improved component life prediction
- Optimized cooling systems and longer running times between outages
- Increased engine efficiency
The on-blade temperature measurement system is simple, with a series of four elements working together: an embedded temperature sensor, a high-temp antenna, a high-speed RF transceiver, and software to amass and display the data.
Get in touch with Sensatek today for more information about TurboTrackTM and the many potential applications of this groundbreaking technology. Research and development for these sensors was funded in part by the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and NASA, with testing and verification by OEMs. Advanced control and real-time monitoring is finally possible with this advanced and cost-effective temperature measurement system.