Distributed temperature sensor apparatus
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorMichael Twerdochlib
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Abstract
A liquid-filled tube placed next to a generator winding section provides an indication of an abnormal hot spot which may develop along the winding. The tube is filled with a liquid which vaporizes to form a vapor bubble at the hot spot location. Acoustic energy is projected through the liquid in the tube and is normally received at the distal end of the tube. Presence of a vapor bubble blocks the acoustic propagation and forms a reflective surface for the acoustic energy which then is utilized to calculate distance to the vapor bubble. With a known pressure versus temperature relationship, the pressure of the liquid is controlled such that the hot spot temperature may be determined.
Claims14
Distributed temperature sensor apparatus, comprising:
- (A) a liquid filled tube having first and second ends and adapted to be positioned proximate a device to be monitored for temperature;
- (B) liquid in said liquid filled tube being convertible to a vapor bubble at a position opposite a hot spot of said device, if the temperature of said position due to said hot spot exceeds a predetermined value dependent upon the pressure of said liquid;
- (C) transducer means connected to said first end of said tube and operable to project acoustic energy toward said second end, through said liquid;
- (D) means for receiving said projected acoustic energy terminating said second end of said tube;
- and
- (E) means for determining if said acoustic energy projected into said tube does not reach said second end, due to blockage of the acoustic path by said vapor bubble.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.