Processing of Circumferential Temperature Distributions for the Detection of Gas Turbine Burner Malfunctions

A method for analysing the circumferential temperature pattern measured at the turbine exit of Gas Turbines is presented. The purpose of the analysis is to connect the form of the temperature pattern to the condition of the hot section, and more particularly, to burner malfunctions. The behaviour of temperature patterns for different conditions of operation is discussed, on the basis of available experimental data. It is shown that with appropriate formulation, even small variation of the temperature pattern can be detected, and the particular malfunctioning burners can be identified. The proposed method exhibits a very high sensitivity to even small changes in burner operating condition, giving thus the possibility for improving corresponding techniques currently in use.