Energy autonomous airflow meter

Abstract

A flow meter system and method for monitoring airflow in a duct are provided. The flow meter system includes multiple components, including: a sensor for sensing the velocity of the airflow; a communication device for transmitting information corresponding to the sensed velocity to a remote device; an energy harvesting device for generating electrical energy from the airflow to power the operation of the communication device or other components of the flow meter system; and an energy storage device for storing the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to airflow meters, and more specifically, to harvesting energy from airflow to power the airflow meter. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial processes or facilities may employ conduits, such as pipes (also called tubes), or other fluid-carrying structures to transport fluids for treatment. Fluids may be gases and / or liquids, and may be compressible or incompressible. Industrial treatment systems may employ monitoring devices, such as flow meters, to monitor the characteristics of the fluid throughout the industrial process. Flow meters can be powered by power lines; however, for safety purposes, such as in hazardous treatment environments, the amount of power transmitted through such power lines may be limited. Flow meters may also be battery-powered, and the batteries require periodic inspection and replacement when depleted or exhausted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an embodiment, a flow meter system and method for monitoring airflow in a duct are provided. The flow meter system includes multiple components, including: a sensor for sensing the velocity of the airflow; a communication device for transmitting information corresponding to the sensed velocity to a remote device; an energy harvesting device for generating electrical energy from the airflow to power the operation of the communication device or other components of the flow meter system; and an energy storage device for storing the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device.

[0004] According to an embodiment, the sensor can be configured to sense flow velocity using an energy harvesting device or a component thereof. The energy harvesting device may include a turbine through which airflow passes. The turbine may include a rotor with magnets and a stator with electrical (or conductive) coils. The rotor is configured to rotate due to the airflow, thereby generating a current in the electrical coils for charging an energy storage device or powering one or more components of the flow meter. The sensor is configured to sense the current in the electrical coils, the current having a frequency corresponding to the flow velocity of the airflow. The flow meter system may also include an AC-to-DC converter for converting alternating current (AC) in the electrical coils into direct current (DC) for charging the energy storage device or powering one or more components of the flow meter system.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the energy harvesting device may include a differential pressure conduit and a thermoelectric generator. The differential pressure conduit has an orifice plate through which airflow passes. The thermoelectric generator converts heat generated from the airflow passing through the differential pressure conduit into electrical energy to charge an energy storage device or power one or more components of a flow meter system. The sensor may include a differential pressure sensor for sensing the airflow pressure difference upstream and downstream of the orifice plate using a pressure measuring port.

[0006] According to another embodiment, the energy harvesting device may include a turbine for generating electricity from an airflow. The duct includes an orifice plate. The sensor includes a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference between the airflow upstream and downstream of the orifice plate using a pressure sensor port. The turbine is configured to receive a portion of the airflow from the duct through at least one pressure sensor port. The flow meter may also include a valve switch for selectively directing a portion of the airflow to either the differential pressure sensor or the turbine.

[0007] According to another embodiment, information corresponding to the flow rate can be transmitted in real time as a pulse signal via a communication device. Furthermore, in response to a decrease in the fluid flow rate below a level where the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device is sufficient to power one or more components of the flow meter, one or more components of the flow meter can be powered using electrical energy stored in the energy storage device.

[0008] Additional objects and advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure and / or the claims. At least some of these objects and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0009] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative, and not intended to limit the invention as disclosed or claimed. The claims should be given their full scope, including equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The descriptions of various exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 An example of a monitoring system according to a first embodiment is shown, the monitoring system including an airflow meter having an energy harvesting device to generate energy from the airflow to be monitored.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an overview of an exemplary airflow meter according to a second embodiment, which includes an energy harvesting device that generates energy from the airflow to be monitored.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an overview of an exemplary airflow meter according to a third embodiment, which includes an energy harvesting device to generate energy from the airflow to be monitored.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an overview of an exemplary airflow meter according to a fourth embodiment, which includes an energy harvesting device that generates energy from the airflow to be monitored.

[0015] Figure 5 An example method of operation of a flow meter and its components according to an embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 Example components of a computer system according to an embodiment are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Monitoring systems and methods are provided to monitor fluids, such as gases, flowing through ducts in processes such as industrial or automated processes using airflow meters or other flow sensors. These systems and methods may employ energy harvesting techniques to collect energy, directly or indirectly generated from the airflow to be monitored. The harvested energy can be used to power components of the monitoring system or stored in an energy storage device for future use under certain conditions. For example, the harvested energy can be used to charge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery or capacitor) to power the meter when there is no flow or reduced flow. Integrating energy harvesting devices into the flow meter can increase transmission rates by increasing the potential available power of communication equipment and prevent or reduce the need for battery replacement, thereby reducing labor and improving the flow meter's functionality.

[0018] In various embodiments, energy harvesting technology may include the use of turbines, thermoelectric generators, or other devices capable of converting energy from the monitored airflow into electricity or other forms of energy, which can be used to power components of the monitoring system. Information corresponding to the flow velocity may also be transmitted in real time as pulse signals via communication devices. Furthermore, in response to a decrease in the fluid flow velocity below a level where the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device is sufficient to power one or more components of the flow meter, one or more components of the flow meter may be powered using stored electrical energy from an energy storage device.

[0019] These and other exemplary features of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overview of an example of a monitoring system 10, which may include a computer system 190 for monitoring and / or controlling a process (such as an industrial process) and its equipment, and one or more sensors for sensing environmental and operational characteristics of the process. The computer system 190 may be a PLC controller or other computer system configured to communicate with the one or more sensors. The computer system 190 may control the operation of the industrial process and its equipment based on information received from the one or more sensors. The computer system 190 may be located in a control room or other control facility within an industrial facility.

[0021] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, the one or more sensors may include a flow meter, such as an airflow meter 100. In this example, the airflow meter 100 is a turbine flow meter for monitoring the flow characteristics of airflow through the duct 20 (e.g., a pipe or other fluid-carrying channel). The flow meter 100 may include a turbine 110, a sensor 120, a processor 130, a memory 132, and a communication device 150.

[0022] Turbine 110 may include a rotor with magnets and a stator with electrical (or conductive) coils. In operation, the rotor is configured to rotate as a gas flow (or airflow) passes through duct 20 and through the rotor. The rotation of the rotor (with permanent magnets) generates magnetic flux, which in turn generates electrical energy / signals, such as current in the form of electrical pulses, in the coils of the stator. The rate of the electrical pulses corresponds to or is proportional to the rotational frequency of the rotor, which in turn corresponds to or is proportional to the characteristics of the airflow, such as the gas velocity. Sensor 120, such as a current sensor, senses the current in the coils and can perform some signal conditioning. The sensed current is provided to processor 130, which can maintain a count of the number of rotations based on the electrical pulses of the sensed current and determine the flow rate (or fluid velocity) by dividing the count by the duration (e.g., a time period). Processor 130 can output pulse signals or data corresponding to the flow rate or other flow characteristics of the gas flowing through duct 20. Other flow characteristics can be derived from the monitored flow rate.

[0023] Memory 132 can store data, which may include computer programs or executable code, sensor operating parameters, or other data used by processor 130. Processor 130, coupled to memory 132, can control components and functions of flowmeter 100 as described herein. Communication device 150 can perform wired or wireless communication (e.g., radio communication) with other remote devices such as computer 190 to send and / or receive data via a transmission medium or network. The transmitted data may include monitored flow characteristics, such as gas flow rate.

[0024] The flow meter 100 also includes a power system 170 for supplying power to the components of the flow meter 100. The power system 170 can receive and distribute power from an energy storage device 172 such as a battery or capacitor, from another power source 174 (e.g., a power line from a control center or external source), and / or from a turbine 110. In this example, the turbine 110 can also be used as an energy harvesting device. As described above, the turbine 110 can include a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with electrical coils, and can generate electrical energy / signals, such as current, through the coils as a result of magnetic flux generated by the rotation of the rotor due to airflow. The electrical energy generated from the turbine 110 can be converted from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) using an AC / DC converter 160, and can be used to power one or more components of the flow meter 100 (e.g., communication device 150) or to charge the energy storage device 172.

[0025] In various embodiments, processor 130 may selectively control the power supply to components of flow meter 100 from any one or a combination of different sources via switch 176. The processor may also be configured to control the storage of electrical energy generated by turbine 110 in energy storage device 172 and to use energy from turbine 100 or energy storage device 172 to supplement the power supply to power system 170 from other power source 174.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an overview of an exemplary airflow meter 200 according to a second embodiment, which includes an energy harvesting device to generate energy from the airflow to be monitored. In this example, the flow meter is a differential pressure (DP or D / P) flow meter.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow meter 200 includes an orifice plate 224 (e.g., a plate with a central hole or opening) in the conduit 20. The orifice plate 224 defines a higher (or high) pressure region downstream of the orifice plate 224 and a lower (or low) pressure region upstream of the orifice plate. A holding system may also be provided to hold the orifice plate 224 in the conduit in a desired position. The flow meter 200 also includes inlet and outlet pressure taps (PTs) 222, which allow a portion of the airflow to be diverted from the higher pressure region to the differential pressure (D / P) sensor 220 (also referred to as the D / P unit), and the diverted airflow to return to the lower pressure region in the conduit 20.

[0028] Differential pressure sensor 120 can measure the pressure difference across the orifice of orifice plate 224. For example, the relationship between the fluid velocity through the orifice of orifice plate 224 and the square root of the pressure loss through it is proportional. Processor 130 can receive the differential pressure measurement to determine the flow characteristics of the gas, such as flow velocity. In various embodiments, processor 130 can receive the differential pressure measurement along with temperature and / or pressure data, which allows processor 130 to compensate for changes in fluid density and provide a more accurate measurement of airflow characteristics.

[0029] The flow meter 200 also includes a power system 170 for supplying power to the components of the flow meter 200. The power system 170 may receive power from an energy storage device 172 such as a battery or capacitor, from another power source 174 (e.g., a power line from a control center), and / or from a thermoelectric generator 210. In this example, the thermoelectric generator (TEG) 210 is used as an energy harvesting device to convert heat generated from a duct (e.g., a pipe or portion thereof made of a thermally conductive material) due to airflow around and through the orifice plate 224. The thermoelectric generator (e.g., a Seebeck generator) may be a solid-state device that can directly convert heat flux (e.g., temperature difference) into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated from the thermoelectric generator can be stabilized using a DC / DC converter 260 and can be used to power one or more components of the flow meter 200 (e.g., communication device 150) or to charge the energy storage device 172.

[0030] as Figure 2 In various embodiments, processor 130 may selectively control the power supply to components of flow meter 100 from any one or a combination of different sources via switch 176. The processor may also be configured to control the storage of electrical energy generated by thermoelectric generator 210 in energy storage device 172, and to use energy from thermoelectric generator 210 or energy storage device 172 to supplement the power supply to power system 170 from other power source 174.

[0031] Figure 3 This is an overview of an exemplary airflow meter 300 according to a third embodiment, which includes an energy harvesting device to generate energy from the airflow to be monitored. In this example, the airflow meter 300 may include... Figure 2 The flow meter 200 uses the same or similar components (e.g., D / P sensor 220, PT 222, and orifice plate 224), except that the flow meter 300 uses a turbine to harvest energy from the airflow.

[0032] In one example, the energy harvesting device may be a turbine 310 placed in duct 20. Turbine 310 may include a rotor with magnets and a stator with electrical coils, and electrical energy (e.g., current) can be generated by the coils as a result of the magnetic flux generated by the rotation of the rotor due to airflow. The electrical energy generated by turbine 310 can be converted from AC to DC using AC-DC converter 360. In various embodiments, turbine 310 may affect the pressure differential used to determine the flow characteristics (e.g., velocity) of the airflow through duct 20. Thus, processor 130 can calibrate the measurement / determination of the airflow flow characteristics based on the effect of turbine 310 on the pressure differential downstream / upstream of orifice 224.

[0033] In a second alternative example, the energy harvesting device could be a turbine 310' disposed outside the duct 20. The flow meter 300 could use the pressure port 222 to redirect or bypass a portion of the airflow from the duct 20 to the turbine 310', allowing the turbine 310' to generate electrical energy from the redirected airflow. A valve switch v could be used to control the airflow from the pressure port 222 to the D / P sensor 220 or the turbine 310'. For example, when the D / P sensor 220 is not being used for monitoring, the processor 130 could use the turbine 310' to generate electrical energy. In various embodiments, the processor 130 could control the airflow, for example via the valve switch v, to alternate between sensing flow characteristics using the D / P sensor and generating electrical energy using the turbine 310' (e.g., monitoring duration T). M Next is the energy generation duration T. E (And some other time patterns between monitoring duration and energy generation duration, etc.). The electrical energy generated by turbine 310' can be converted from AC to DC using AC-DC converter 360.

[0034] Regarding the second alternative example, if a small turbine flow meter is used to bypass the flow around orifice plate 24, electricity can be generated without unduly interfering with the D / P measurement performed by D / P sensor 220. Since the bypass flow is measured by turbine 310', the bypass flow can also be taken into account. Alternatively, D / P sensor 220 can be omitted, and the pressure difference (D / P) can be inferred by examining the flow rate through the turbine and taking into account the characteristics of the fluid, such as... Figure 4 The fourth embodiment is shown in the text. As... Figure 4 As shown, using the pressure gauge (PT) 222, the airflow can be redirected to the turbine 410. The turbine 410 is positioned outside the duct 20, and... Figure 1 In contrast to the turbine of the first embodiment, this turbine has components arranged inside the duct 20. However, similar to the example in the first embodiment, the turbine in this case is... Figure 4The turbine 410 can be used to monitor the flow characteristics of the airflow and generate electrical energy to power the flow meter 400. The monitored flow characteristics can be further adjusted based on the characteristics of the fluid (e.g., temperature, density, etc.) that can be monitored or derived using information collected from additional sensors.

[0035] Figure 5 A flow meter according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., in...) Figure 1 , 2 Example operating methods of method 500 (3 or 4) and its components. The flow meter may include a processor, sensor, communication device, and energy harvesting device. Some operations of method 500 may be performed by or under the control of one or more processors of the monitoring system.

[0036] In box 502, an airflow meter with energy harvesting equipment is installed to monitor airflow in the duct.

[0037] In box 504, the energy harvesting device harvests energy from the airflow in the duct to power one or more components of the flow meter or to charge an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery or capacitor) that can later be used to power or replenish power to one or more components of the flow meter.

[0038] In box 506, a flow meter can be used to monitor flow characteristics. Flow characteristics can include the velocity of the airflow.

[0039] In box 508, information (or data) related to the monitored flow characteristics can be transmitted to a remote device via a communication device. This information can be transmitted in real time, for example, in the form of signal pulses of the monitored flow rate.

[0040] Method 500 may also include analyzing monitored information (e.g., flow characteristics) for alarms or other conditions in block 510. For example, if a flow characteristic (e.g., flow rate) meets (or does not meet) a threshold or condition, the processor determines that an alarm or other condition exists (or does not exist). For example, if the flow rate is operating outside of normal operating parameters or values ​​(e.g., too low or too high), an alarm condition exists. In block 510, an analysis report of the alarm or other condition may also be transmitted to a remote device via a communication device. It should be understood that the processor may also monitor and report other conditions related to the flow meter, such as the status of energy storage devices and the status of energy harvesting devices (e.g., on or off). Additional sensors (e.g., voltage sensors, current sensors, etc.) may be incorporated into the flow meter to monitor these statuses.

[0041] Figure 5The methods shown and described are provided as examples. As those skilled in the art will understand, the various operations described in these methods can be modified while still maintaining the same or similar functionality (e.g., some operations may be implemented or combined in a different order, or may be omitted).

[0042] Figure 6 Example components of a computer system (or computing system) 600 according to an embodiment are shown. Figure 6 As shown, computer system 600 may include, for example, memory 620, processor 630, output device 650, input device 660, communication device 670, and bus system 680 between components of the computer system. In various embodiments, the computer in the control facility may include such a computer system.

[0043] Memory 620 may store computer-executable code, programs, software, or instructions that, when executed by a processor, control the operation of computer system 600, including the various methods / processes described herein. Memory 620 may also store other data used by computer system 600 or its components to perform the operations described herein. This other data may include, but is not limited to, sensor data sensed or processed, request or report data regarding the monitored flow rate or other characteristics of the monitored fluid, predetermined thresholds or conditions for implementing actions on flow meters or components, devices, or systems in industrial or other processes, and other information described herein.

[0044] Output device 650 may include a display device, a printing device, a speaker, etc. For example, output device 650 may output reports, alarms, or other data or information to display or present a graphical user interface (GUI), data received from one or more sensors in monitoring, as described herein.

[0045] Input device 660 may include any user input device, such as a mouse, trackball, microphone, touchscreen, joystick, console, keyboard / pad, touchscreen, or other user-operable device. Input device 660 may also accept data from external sources, such as other devices and systems.

[0046] Processor 630, which interacts with other components of the computer system, is configured to control or implement various operations described herein. These operations may include: processing data (flow rate, data from which the flow rate can be derived, power state of the flow meter, etc.) received from one or more sensors, such as a flow meter; calculating the flow rate or other monitored characteristics of a fluid based on characteristics sensed by one or more sensors or derived fluid characteristics of the fluid to be monitored; storing and transmitting data; controlling the flow of power in the power system of the flow meter; taking action based on the monitored flow rate or other detected conditions associated with the flow meter, including but not limited to alarms, notifications, safety actions (e.g., shutting down a system or component in an industrial process), or other processes described herein. The processor may communicate with the flow meter or other remote devices using communication device 670, which may send or receive data across transmission media or networks.

[0047] The above describes example components of a computer system, such as a computer, server, or other data processing system. Output device 650 and input device 660 can communicate with processor 630 via a local bus or network, respectively. The computer system can be a distributed processing system.

[0048] It should be understood that the examples of energy harvesting technologies described herein can be implemented in a variety of flow meters, including but not limited to turbine flow meters, differential pressure flow meters, or other known flow meters. Differential pressure flow meters may include orifice flow meters, Venturi flow meters, or other differential pressure flow meters that use the differential pressure principle to measure fluid flow rate.

[0049] It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments disclosed and taught herein are readily subject to various modifications and alternatives. Therefore, the use of singular terms, such as, but not limited to, “a”, is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, the naming conventions for the various components, functions, characteristics, thresholds, and other elements used herein are provided as examples and may be given different names or labels. The use of the term “or” is not limited to exclusive “or” and may also mean “and / or”.

[0050] It should be understood that the development of actual, real-world commercial applications incorporating the aspects of the disclosed embodiments will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goals for the commercial implementation. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and may not be limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, governmental-related, and other constraints, which may vary depending on the specific implementation, location, and time. While the developer's effort may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, it remains a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0051] Using the description provided herein, programmable software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof can be produced by using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The example embodiments may be implemented as machines, processes, or articles of art.

[0052] Any final program having computer-readable program code may be contained on one or more tangible or non-transitory computer-usable media, such as resident storage devices, smart cards, or other removable storage or transmission devices, thereby creating a computer program product or article of manufacture according to embodiments. Therefore, the terms "article of manufacture" and "computer program product" as used herein are intended to include computer programs that are permanently or temporarily present on any computer-usable or storage medium or in any transmission medium on which such a program is transmitted.

[0053] The processor described herein can be a processing system, which may include one or more processors, such as a CPU, controller, ASIC, data processing circuitry, or other processing unit, that controls the operation of a device or system or performs the data or signal processing described herein. Memory / storage devices may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, solid-state drives, optical disks, removable storage devices (e.g., smart cards, SIM cards, WIM), semiconductor memories (e.g., RAM, ROM, PROM), etc. Transmission media or networks include, but are not limited to, wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency (RF) communication, etc.). Transmission of Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, etc., the Internet, intranets, telephone / modem-based network communications, hardwired / cable communication networks, satellite communications, and other fixed or mobile network systems / communication links.

[0054] While specific embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and composition disclosed herein, and various modifications, alterations and variations may be apparent from the foregoing description without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flow meter system for monitoring airflow in a duct, comprising multiple components, said multiple components including: Sensors used to sense the velocity of airflow; Communication equipment used to transmit information corresponding to the sensed flow rate to a remote device; Energy harvesting equipment used to generate electrical energy from airflow to power the operation of other components of communication equipment or flow meter systems; as well as Energy storage devices are used to store electrical energy generated by energy harvesting devices. The energy harvesting device includes: A differential pressure conduit having an orifice plate through which the airflow passes, the sensor including a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference between the airflow upstream and downstream of the orifice plate using a pressure measuring port; and A thermoelectric generator is used to convert heat generated from the airflow passing through the differential pressure duct into electrical energy, for charging the energy storage device or powering one or more components of the flow meter system. The information corresponding to the flow rate is transmitted in real time as a pulse signal via the communication device. The thermoelectric generator is arranged on the heat-conducting portion of the differential pressure conduit, which includes the pressure measuring port and the orifice plate, to convert heat generated from the differential pressure conduit due to airflow around and through the orifice plate into electrical energy. Each pressure measuring port extends from the differential pressure conduit through the thermoelectric generator.

2. The flow meter system of claim 1, wherein, The sensor uses the energy harvesting device or a component thereof to sense the flow rate.

3. The flow meter system of claim 1, wherein, In response to the flow velocity of the airflow decreasing to a level below which the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device is sufficient to power one or more components of the flow meter system, the stored electrical energy of the energy storage device is used to power one or more components of the flow meter system.

4. The flow meter system according to claim 1, wherein, The differential pressure conduit or a portion thereof is made of a thermally conductive material.

5. The flow meter system according to claim 4, wherein, The thermoelectric generator is a solid-state device that can directly convert heat flux into electrical energy.

6. The flow meter system according to claim 5, wherein, A DC / DC converter is used to stabilize the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator.

7. A method for monitoring airflow in a duct using a flow meter system comprising multiple components, the method comprising: The flow rate of the airflow is sensed using the sensors of the flow meter system; The communication device of the flow meter system transmits information corresponding to the sensed flow rate to a remote device; An energy harvesting device is used to generate electrical energy from the airflow to power the operation of the communication device or other components of the flow meter system; as well as The electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device is stored in the energy storage device. The energy harvesting device includes: A differential pressure conduit having an orifice plate through which the airflow passes, the sensor including a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference between the airflow upstream and downstream of the orifice plate using a pressure measuring port; and A thermoelectric generator is used to convert heat generated from the airflow passing through the differential pressure duct into electrical energy, for charging the energy storage device or powering one or more components of the flow meter system. The information corresponding to the flow rate is transmitted in real time as a pulse signal via the communication device. The thermoelectric generator is arranged on the heat-conducting portion of the differential pressure conduit, which includes the pressure measuring port and the orifice plate, to convert heat generated from the differential pressure conduit due to airflow around and through the orifice plate into electrical energy. Each pressure measuring port extends from the differential pressure conduit through the thermoelectric generator.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The flow rate is sensed by the sensor using the energy harvesting device or its components.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, In response to a decrease in the velocity of the airflow to a level below which the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device is sufficient to power one or more components of the flow meter system, the stored electrical energy of the energy storage device is used to power one or more components of the flow meter system.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The thermoelectric generator is a solid-state device that can directly convert heat flux into electrical energy.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, A DC / DC converter is used to stabilize the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator.

12. A tangible computer medium storing computer-executable code, which, when executed by one or more processors, is configured to implement a method for monitoring airflow in a duct using a flow meter system comprising multiple components, the method comprising: Controlling the reception of data related to the flow rate of the airflow sensed by the sensors of the flow meter system; Control the transmission of information corresponding to the sensed flow rate to a remote device using the communication device of the flow meter system; The control utilizes an energy harvesting device to generate electrical energy from the airflow to power the operation of the communication device or other components of the flow meter system; as well as Controls the storage of electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device in the energy storage device of the flow meter system. The energy harvesting device includes: A differential pressure conduit having an orifice plate through which the airflow passes, the sensor including a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference between the airflow upstream and downstream of the orifice plate using a pressure measuring port; and A thermoelectric generator is used to convert heat generated from the airflow passing through the differential pressure duct into electrical energy, for charging the energy storage device or powering one or more components of the flow meter system. The information corresponding to the flow rate is transmitted in real time as a pulse signal via the communication device. The thermoelectric generator is arranged on the heat-conducting portion of the differential pressure conduit, which includes the pressure measuring port and the orifice plate, to convert heat generated from the differential pressure conduit due to airflow around and through the orifice plate into electrical energy. Each pressure measuring port extends from the differential pressure conduit through the thermoelectric generator.

13. The tangible computer medium according to claim 12, wherein, The thermoelectric generator is a solid-state device that can directly convert heat flux into electrical energy.

14. The tangible computer medium according to claim 13, wherein, A DC / DC converter is used to stabilize the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator.

15. A flow meter system for monitoring airflow in a duct with an orifice plate, comprising a plurality of components, said plurality of components including: A differential pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure difference between the airflow upstream and downstream of the orifice plate using a pressure measuring port; Communication equipment used to transmit information corresponding to the sensed flow rate to a remote device; An energy harvesting device for generating electrical energy from an airflow to power the operation of the communication device or other components of the flow meter system, the energy harvesting device including a turbine for generating electrical energy from the airflow, the turbine being configured to receive a portion of the airflow from the duct through at least one pressure gauge port; A valve switch for selectively directing a portion of the airflow to the differential pressure sensor or the turbine; as well as Energy storage devices are used to store electrical energy generated by energy harvesting devices.

16. The flow meter system according to claim 15, wherein, The valve switch is configured to direct a portion of the airflow to the turbine when monitoring of the airflow is not performed using the differential pressure sensor.

17. The flow meter system according to claim 15, wherein, The valve switch is configured to operate between directing a portion of the airflow to the differential pressure sensor and directing a portion of the airflow to the turbine, based on a time pattern between the monitoring duration and the energy generation duration.

18. A method of operating components of a flow meter system to monitor airflow in a duct having an orifice plate, comprising: The pressure difference between the airflow upstream and downstream of the orifice plate is sensed using a pressure sensor via a pressure measuring port. Information corresponding to the sensed flow rate is transmitted to a remote device via a communication device; Electrical energy is generated from the airflow via an energy harvesting device to power the operation of the communication device or other components of the flow meter system. The energy harvesting device includes a turbine for generating electrical energy from the airflow, the turbine being configured to receive a portion of the airflow from the duct through at least one pressure gauge port. A portion of the airflow can be selectively directed to a differential pressure sensor or a turbine via a valve switch; as well as Electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device is stored via an energy storage device.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The valve switch is configured to direct a portion of the airflow to the turbine when monitoring of the airflow is not performed using the differential pressure sensor.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The valve switch is configured to operate between directing a portion of the airflow to the differential pressure sensor and directing a portion of the airflow to the turbine, based on a time pattern between the monitoring duration and the energy generation duration.

Images