Sensatek completes successful tests for on-blade temperature sensors
Sensors prolong life of engines, minimize maintenance
Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc. has completed two rounds of testing for its on-blade temperature sensors on Siemens’ engines.
Sensatek develops and manufactures passive RF temperature sensors for gas turbine engines for clients in a variety of industries including energy, marine and aerospace. Its recent tests have provided the company with valuable insights, such as:
– New, accurate intel on how engines are running
– A more precise reading of engines’ temperature, allowing them to run more reliably
– Early findings that the sensors can determine the life of blades and capture engine failure before it occurs
“We’re extremely pleased with the initial results we’ve received during the Siemens tests,” said Reamonn Soto, founder and CEO of Sensatek. “Our team has been working diligently to develop a product that will be a gamechanger in a number of industries. Through the tests we’ve learned a lot and already have new technology in the works. We look forward to continuing to expand our testing in a variety of engines and circumstances.”
Blade metal temperatures have a profound effect on improving energy efficiency of power systems maintenance cycles, and overall fleet reliability, yet engine manufacturers are still struggling in determining how these machines perform in real-time. Sensatek’s sensors will allow companies to shift away from rudimentary methods to measure heat directly on gas turbine blades.
This comes with many benefits including knowing how long engines can operate reliably before maintenance is absolutely necessary by determining precisely how engines operate more efficiently. Most importantly, Sensatek’s wireless passive RF temperature sensors will be able to determine how hard an engine can be pushed without damage, allowing for a large increase in efficiency.
The technology company is a participant of the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps entrepreneur program. To date, Sensatek has received $3.5 million in awards from the foundation to progress its research.
Sensatek is looking to do further testing on its sensors in the near future, including on aircraft engines and long-term tests on engines operating in optimal conditions.
“At Sensatek, our mission is to provide quicker, more accurate data on engines, which will increase efficiency and reliability,” said Soto. “Our on-blade temperature sensors can help engines last longer and show exactly how hard you can push them. One day, they’ll help deliver more megawatts, allowing more homes to be powered and eliminating the emissions that could accumulate from hundreds of thousands of traditional, gas-powered cars.”