In-Situ Combustion Temperature Measurement in Jet Engines
The EGT index in real-time during flight is a critical tool in aviation for identifying the lifecycle of a jet engine. The more accurate the measurement, the better the understanding of engine wear and tear, helping save unnecessary resources (e.g., maintenance, spare parts procurement, labor time, etc.).
Currently, temperature measurements (900–950°C) are performed using sensors when the aircraft is either on the ground or in the air, after the exhaust turbine. However, these measurements are insufficient and inaccurate. Accurate and continuous temperature measurement within the combustion chamber (1600°C) of a jet engine during flight would significantly improve the EGT index, enabling better engine efficiency evaluation while reducing maintenance costs.
There is no existing solution for continuous and accurate measurement in extreme environments such as the jet engine’s combustion chamber.
The Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) index is a crucial metric in the aviation industry
Today, measurements in combustion chambers are carried out on the ground with a complex setup.
As a fallback in the air the temperature measure at the exhaust turbine (LPT – Low Pressure Turbine).
Advancement
Measuring the temperature in the combustion chamber of a jet engine during flight would allow for better engine efficiency, monitoring and potentially reduce the frequency of engine maintenance.
Challenge
There is currently no solution for continuous temperature measurement in the air within the harsh environment of a jet engine's combustion chamber.
Alorin’s Super Hard Material Thermocouple
Alorin’s expertise and experience in super hard materials manufacturing are tailored for precise thermal coupling with a temperature sensor, while ensuring the necessary protection and insulation.
The Opportunity – Jet Efficiency
- Real-time Monitoring Enables adjustments and optimization of engine performance.
- Enhanced Safety Detects overheating to prevent engine failures.
- Fuel Saving Leads to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- Extended Jet Engine Lifetime Ensures longevity and reliability.
- Predictive Maintenance Allows for timely interventions, reducing downtime.
- Cooling Jet Maintains optimal operating temperatures.
- Jet engine More efficient combustion chamber design
Competing approaches
Traditional Contact-Based Measurement
- High-temperature thermocouples—platinum/rhodium based
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to erosion and cracking, especially under high-flow, particle-laden conditions
Non-Intrusive Optical and Laser-Based
- Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS)
- Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS)
- Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF )
Disadvantages: Demand advanced lasers, sensitive detectors, careful calibration, and well-maintained optical access
The Solution– Super Hard Material Thermocouple Properties
- High Thermal Conductivity – 2200 W/m-k
- Pressure Resistance – 5500MPa
- High Temperature Stability – 2300C
- Electrical Isolator – 100 GΩ⋅m
- Chemical Indifference
- Expertise in adapting the Probe to extreme environments
Alorin’s Thermocouple - Additional applications
Aerospace – Jet engines and rocket engines
Power Generation – Gas turbines in power plants
Defense – Military jet engines and propulsion systems.
Research and Development – Advanced materials and propulsion research