Self-powered, hybrid wireless-optical multiplexed sensor system for turbine applications

Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation and UC, Davis propose a Zigbee-based wireless solution of communicating wide bandwidth, high-speed strain data from the rotating machinery to stationary equipment without the requirement for slip rings or couplings. The proposed wireless sensor system will be self-powered and can substantially reduce the cost of maintenance in numerous civilian and military applications. A miniaturized rotary electricity generator, harvesting energy from rotating motion, will be used to generate electric energy to power. This self-powered wireless sensing system is based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor technology that offers enormous potential for meeting these needs by eliminating heavy, costly and failure-prone wiring, and reducing sensor size, weight and power. IFOS' approach is unique in its ability to monitor a large number of dynamic multiplexed strains up to very high frequency. IFOS seeks to develop new sensing technology that will allow it to adapt its sensor capabilities to compressor turbines. These include further miniaturization and ruggedization so that the sensor interrogator can be placed inside rotating turbine blades and transmit data wirelessly.