High Temperature Wireless Sensor

(Video link #4)

 

This research is to utilize the exceptional electrical and dielectric properties of polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) material for high temperature wireless sensor applications. Achieved experimental results are:

• Maximum temperature measured: 1600 Celsius degree
• Maximum pressure measured: 135 MPa
• Wireless sensing distance: 0.5 meters

We were the first research group who proposed to use micro-mechanical machining for manufacturing of a new generation of micro-sensors. There are various operational environments in the aerospace and defense research and development that are unable to be monitored due to extremely high temperatures, pressures, or other environmental factors that prevent sensors from functioning properly. Such environments include turbines, engines, power plants, and nuclear reactors. Current sensing technologies are unable to monitor such environment in high temperature due to electrical components failing. Using polymer derived ceramic (PDC) materials, we have developed wireless temperature/pressure sensor demonstrating high temperature survivability, oxidation and corrosion resistance, and high gauge factors. The exponentially-increased permittivity of PDCs at elevated temperatures make it possible for wireless sensing signal transmission and remote high temperature measurement with exceptional accuracy. The contribution of this research topic is significant for both the aerospace sector as well as propulsion and power generation sectors.

Figure 1. Principle of wireless sensing at high temperature through free-space signal transmission.

 

Figure 2. (Left) Micro- mechanical machining setup;
(Right) Machined wireless sensor (smallest feature size: 20 micron).

Figure 3. Experimental setup for wireless temperature measurement.

 

Figure 4. Experimental setup for wireless pressure measurement.

 

Figure 5. Measurement principle for wireless pressure sensing.