Advanced Noncontact Sensors for Blade Tip-Timing Systems

Abstract

The conference paper addresses noncontact sensors for measuring vibrations of machine blades using the Blade Tip Timing method. An overview of sensors based on the electromagnetic principle suitable for the harsh environment of low-pressure stages of steam turbines is presented. Special attention is further given to magnetoresistive sensors and possibilities for increasing their sensitivity. Variants of the sensors with controlled, adaptive, and intelligent operating principles are discussed. The properties and advantages of each version of the solution are demonstrated.