Michael Villnow

Fiber optical sensor trends in the energy field

The raising demand for increase of efficiency and reduction of costs in power generation causes a mind change and promotes the commercial use of fiber optical sensors for health monitoring and control purposes.

FBG system for temperature monitoring under electromagnetic immersed and harsh oil and gas reservoir environment

A common way to explore oil out of tar sand is to use a technique called Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage SAGD. This method can be enhanced by using an inductive heater (EM-SAGD). To monitor the heat dissipation of the inductor a measurement system for this harsh electromagnetic environment is needed. In this paper different optical temperature measurement systems are compared to find the most suitable system for this kind of application. A field test with great results was performed, where the performance of the inductor and the FBG measurement system were demonstrated.

Fiber optic sensor solutions for increase of efficiency and availability of electric power generators

Multiple fiber optic sensors have been developed for strain, vibration, temperature, magnetic field and air flow measurement in electric power generators. This paper describes the recent state of development and reports about todays field experience.

Low temperature fiber optic pyrometer for fast time resolved temperature measurements

Low temperature Pyrometry at temperatures beyond 150°C is limited in the measurement speed due to slow pyroelectric detectors. To detect the circumferential temperature distribution of fast rotating machines a novel Fiber Optical Pyrometer Type is presented here.

Long term reliability and machine operation diagnosis with fiber optic sensors at large turbine generators

The increasing quantity of renewable energy in electric power generation leads to a higher flexibility in the operation of conventional power plants. The turbo generator has to face the influence of frequent start-stop-operation on thermal movement and vibration of the stator end windings. Large indirect cooled turbo generators have been equipped with FBG strain and temperature sensors to monitor the influence of peak load operation. Fiber optic accelerometers measure the vibration of the end windings at several turbine generators since many years of operation. The long term reliability of fiber optic vibration, temperature and strain sensors has been successfully proved during years of online operation. The analysis of these data in correlation to significant operation parameter lead to important diagnostic information.

Monitoring applications of power generators for the increase of energy efficiency using novel fiber optical sensors

To verify optimization measures of power generators to improve the energy efficiency and to monitor critical parameters, fiber optical sensors have been developed and investigated. A fiber optical hot wire anemometer based on the thermooptic effect of Fiber Bragg Gratings was investigated to measure the flow distribution along the stator core. Fiber optical magnetic field sensors, based on the strain-optic effect of FBGs, were used to measure the magnetic field distribution on the end windings of a power generator. A novel fiber-optical accelerometer was used to measure the end winding vibrations. In this paper the functionality of each sensor is described and results of field test under real conditions are shown and discussed.

Design of a triangulation based fiber optical distance sensor for application in large rotating machines

Commercial distance sensors basing on the triangulation principle are highly accurate and reliable. However due to their contained electronics and optoelectronics they cannot be used in harsh environments such as high temperatures and strong electromagnetic fields. An all fiber optical triangulation sensor principle is presented here which can be used for tip clearance measurements of rotors of large engines such as power generators and turbines.

Fiber optical magnetic field sensor for power generator monitoring

Inside of large electrical engines such as power generators and large drives, extreme electric and magnetic fields can occur which cannot be measured electrically. Novel fiber optical magnetic field sensors are being used to characterize the fields and recognize inner faults of large power generators.