SBIR-STTR Award

This project will demonstrate the performance of prototype wireless, passive microwave acoustic temperature sensors in a high temperature lab environment, including demonstration of stable operation at 650oC (1200oF) for more than 250 hours. The proposed sensor technology is based on patented technology developed at the University of Maine, consisting of microwave acoustic devices fabricated using stable high temperature films and substrates, and licensed to Environetix Technologies Corporation for further product development and commercialization. The tasks performed during this Phase I effort will focus on (i) development of a wireless interrogation system and investigations of the associated antenna; (ii) comprehensive testing of the reliability, resolution, and accuracy of sensor prototypes; and (iii) maturation of strategies for sensor attachment and adhesion to turbine blade materials. The technology is being developed to target in situ monitoring directly on rotating turbine blades and at other strategic locations within a turbine engine in high temperature and high pressure environments. The proposed product is expected to respond to DoD needs, and be incorporated in future jet engine tests leading to routine application in ground-and-flight operations.

Benefit:
Advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of Environetix’s proposed wireless, passive high temperature sensor technology will lead to future demonstration and deployment of multisensor arrays within turbine engines for on-ground and in-flight Integrated System Health Monitoring (ISHM). Environetix’s roadmap for development towards commercialization includes sensor technology demonstrations in jet engines in collaboration with potential partners including the Air National Guard, Vextec Inc., Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, and General Electric. The technology also has potential applications in a variety of hypersonic vehicle, hot structures, power generation, automotive, and industrial process control environments.

Keywords:
Battery-Free Sensors, Wireless Operation, High Temperature And Pressure Sensors, Microwave Acoustic Sensors, Turbine Engine Airfoils, High Temperature Substrates And Films

A critical need exists for miniature, passive, wireless sensors that can be placed on rotating parts within aircraft turbine engines to perform health monitoring of key components. To meet these needs, this SBIR Phase II project focuses on developing and field testing a passive, wireless microwave acoustic sensor system for turbine engines, capable of monitoring temperature and pressure on rotating parts in real-time. During Phase I, Environetix Technologies Corporation demonstrated the performance of prototype wireless microwave acoustic temperature sensors in a high temperature lab environment, including demonstration of stable operation at to 1200F. The sensor system is based on University of Maine patented technology, consisting of microwave acoustic devices fabricated using stable high temperature films and substrates and also proprietary sensor attachment methodology, and is licensed to Environetix for further product development and commercialization. This Phase II project will advance a temperature and pressure wireless sensor system into a technology readiness evaluation stage through extensive sensor evaluations in engine test beds on rotating components up to 1200F. The technology will be advanced to the point where negotiations can be made to incorporate the sensor technology into engines for OEMs and industry partners. BENEFIT

Keywords:
Passive Wireless Sensors, High Temperature Harsh Environments, Langasite Piezoelectric Crystals, Microwave Acoustic Device, Temperature And Pressure Sensors