Non-intrusive real-time mass flow sensor for gas turbines
This technology uses an array of acoustic (sound-based) sensors placed around the air intake of a gas turbine engine to precisely measure how much air is flowing into the engine. By combining those acoustic readings with pressure and temperature data, the system calculates the actual mass flow rate in real time without relying solely on traditional pressure-probe methods, which can be less accurate or intrusive. The sensors are cleverly positioned to avoid interfering with airflow — some sit flush in the outer wall, others are recessed in the nose cone — and an acoustic liner outside the flow path filters out rotor noise that could corrupt the measurements. That real-time flow data is then fed directly to the engine's control system to optimize performance.
What you could build
A bolt-on or OEM-integrated sensor suite and software module for commercial and military gas turbine engines that delivers certified mass-flow data to engine control units; primary buyers would be turbine OEMs (GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce) and MRO operators seeking better engine health monitoring and fuel efficiency.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's substantial defense and aerospace presence — including Pratt & Whitney's Eagle Aviation Services, naval aviation MRO at NAS Oceana, and proximity to Pentagon procurement — creates plausible interest from both prime contractors and DoD sustainment programs.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Vasileios KYRITSIS, Kevin Todd LOWE, Maurice BRISTOW, Peter LOFTUS
- Granted
- November 21, 2023
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11821771
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.