Multi-point temperature sensing in gas turbines using fiber-based intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers

Due to their compact size, sensitivity, and ability to be multiplexed, intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers (IFPIs) are excellent candidates for almost any multi-point temperature or strain application, and it is well-known that using a single-mode lead-in fiber, a multimode fiber section as the Fabry-Perot cavity, and an additional single-mode fiber as the tail results in a structure that generates strong interference fringes while remaining robust. Though the basic principles behind these sensors are understood, to the best of the author’s knowledge there hasn’t been a thorough investigation into the design and fabrication of a chain of multiplexed IFPI sensors for industrial use in an environment where serious issues associated with the size of the test coupon, sensor placement, and mechanical reinforcement of the fiber could arise. This thesis details the preparation and results of this investigation. It turns out that fabricating a sensor chain with appropriate sensor spacing and excellent temperature response characteristics proved a significant challenge, and issues addressed include inter-sensor interference, high-temperature mechanical reinforcement for bare fiber sections, and high bending losses. After overcoming these problems, a final sensor chain was fabricated and characterized. This chain was then subjected to a battery of tests at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), where four multiplexed sensors were installed on a 2”x2” coupon in a simulated gas turbine environment. Final results are presented and analyzed. The work that went into developing this chain lays the foundation for future efforts in developing quasi-distributed temperature sensors by identifying potential obstacles and fundamental limitations for certain approaches.