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Wireless Inductive Power Device Suppresses Blade VibrationsVibration in turbomachinery can cause blade failures and leads to the use of heavier, thicker blades that result in lower aerodynamic efficiency and increased noise. Metal and/or composite fatigue in the blades of jet engines has resulted in blade destruction and loss of lives. Techniques for suppressing low-frequency blade vibration, such as gtuned circuit resistive dissipation of vibratory energy, h or simply "passive damping," can require electronics incorporating coils of unwieldy dimensions and adding unwanted weight to the rotor. Other approaches, using vibration-dampening devices or damping material, could add undesirable weight to the blades or hub, making them less efficient. A wireless inductive power device (WIPD) was designed, fabricated, and developed for use in the NASA Glenn's "Dynamic Spin Rig" (DSR) facility. The DSR is used to simulate the functionality of turbomachinery. The relatively small and lightweight device [10 lb (approx.=4.5 kg)] replaces the existing venerable and bulky slip-ring. The goal is the eventual integration of this technology into actual turbomachinery such as jet engines or electric power generators, wherein the device will facilitate the suppression of potentially destructive vibrations in fan blades. This technology obviates slip rings, which require cooling and can prove unreliable or be problematic over time. The WIPD consists of two parts: a remote element, which is positioned on the rotor and provides up to 100 W of electrical power to thin, lightweight piezoelectric patches strategically placed on/in fan blades; and a stationary base unit that wirelessly communicates with the remote unit. The base unit supplies inductive power, and also acts as an input and output corridor for wireless measurement, and active control command to the remote unit. Efficient engine operation necessitates minimal disturbance to the gas flow across the turbine blades in any effort to moderate blade vibration. This innovation makes it possible to moderate vibration on or in turbomachinery blades by providing 100 W of wireless electrical power and actuation control to thin, lightweight vibration-suppressing piezoelectric patches (eight actuation and eight sensor patches in this prototype, for a total of 16 channels) positioned strategically on the surface of, or within, titanium fan blades, or embedded in composite fan blades. This approach moves significantly closer to the ultimate integration of "active" vibration suppression technology into jet engines and other turbomachinery devices such as turbine electrical generators used in the power industry. The novel feature of this device is in its utilization of wireless technology to simultaneously sense and actively control vibration in rotating or stationary turbomachinery blades using piezoelectric patches. In the past, wireless technology was used solely for sensing and diagnostics. This technology, however, will accomplish much more, in terms of simultaneously sensing, suppressing blade vibration, and making it possible for detailed study of vibration impact in turbomachinery blades.
Document ID
20110012249
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Morrison, Carlos R.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Provenza, Andrew J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Choi, Benjamin B.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Bakhle, Milind A.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Min, James B.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Stefko, George L.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Duffy, Kirsten P.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Fougers, Alan J.
(D-2, Inc. United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2011
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, March 2011
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
LEW-18601-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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