Turbine blades in gas turbines operate under extreme conditions, temperatures exceeding 850°C, rotation speeds over 16,000 RPM, and g-forces of 45,000g. Traditional wired sensors can’t withstand this environment and pose significant limitations in cost, data latency, and maintenance downtime.
Gas turbine OEMs and owners needed a non-intrusive, real-time, and survivable monitoring solution for turbine blade temperature and structural strain during engine operation.
Sensatek developed and successfully tested a wireless passive RF sensor system using polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs). The system comprises:
This system reads the temperature from rotating blades up to 1,070°C, withstanding high-speed rotation and vibration without requiring a slip ring or external cooling.
Developed, tested, and refined full sensing chain—sensor, antenna, signal conditioning, and software GUI.
System delivered and demonstrated on gas turbines by leading OEMs.
Sensors and software were customized for both defense (e.g., T53, J85 engines) and commercial aerospace/energy turbines (e.g., Siemens, GE, Rolls-Royce gas turbines).
Sensatek developed and successfully tested a wireless passive RF sensor system using polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) and platinum metallization. The system comprises:
“Sensatek’s breakthrough in passive wireless temperature sensing for rotating engine parts gives the Air Force a mission-ready, high-temperature sensing solution. With full system integration and real-time analytics, this technology sets the stage for predictive maintenance and autonomous engine health monitoring.”
— AFWERX Program Evaluator
