High-temperature optical combustion chamber sensor
US5659133A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M15/10
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The disclosure describes a high-temperature optical transducer capable of acquiring input variables for closed-loop control of combustion systems. The key components of the innovation are a high-temperature, embedded photodiode, the use of low-cost, integral absorption filters; and the use of an embedded high-temperature preamplifier circuit. These components are combined in an optical-to-electrical signal transducer deployed in the high-temperature combustion environment, thus avoiding the high costs of optical signal transmission. The optical signals to the transducer are employed to recognize events in real-time such as the ignition spark, the start of combustion, end of combustion, misfires, and knocking. The outputs from the transducer may be used in a statistical fashion to control engine roughness and cyclic stability. By resolving specific colors in the flame, the optical sensors may also be used to determine the temperature and the emission production in the combustion chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.