Comparison of three different configurations of an optical sensor for tip-clearance measurements in turbines

Abstract

The influence of the tip clearance on the performance of rotating turbo machinery is well known. The objective of this work was to measure this parameter using a non-contact sensor with a precision of 30 μm in a real turbine. An optical sensor whose main component is a bundle of optical fibers was selected to carry out the measurements. Three different configurations of the sensor have been tested by taking measurements on two distinct turbines. Tip-clearance measurements are achieved with the desired precision, providing the opportunity to develop applications related to structural health monitoring or active clearance-control systems.