Patent ID: 7469077
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: G01K,G01N,G02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring operating conditions of a power generating system, said method comprising: providing a sensing system including an optical fiber sensing cable extending at least partially with respect to the power generating system, the optical fiber sensing cable having a fiber core extending along a long axis of the optical fiber sensing cable, an array of multi-functional sensing modules each positioned about the fiber core at a spatial location of the power generating system, and a modified fiber cladding including a sensing material with chemical gas sensitivity surrounding each multi-functional sensing module; propagating a broadband light through the core; detecting at least one operating condition at at least one spatial location; one of reflecting a light signal by at least one multi-functional sensing module and transmitting a light signal to a near infrared photodetector; and processing the light signal to communicate a corresponding electrical signal to a computer interfaced with the sensing system.