Ice thickness measuring device and method supporting internal and external ice melting

Abstract

This application relates to the field of ice thickness measurement technology, specifically disclosing an ice thickness measurement device and method that supports both internal and external ice melting. By incorporating an adaptive ice threshold calibration module into the ice thickness measurement device, the device can adaptively calibrate the ice threshold when water quality changes, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying frozen areas and providing more accurate data support for ice thickness measurement and determination. This dynamic adjustment and calibration of the ice threshold ensures that ice thickness measurement results more accurately reflect the actual ice layer conditions, avoiding misjudgments due to water quality changes and maintaining high reliability in conductivity detection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ice thickness measurement, and more particularly, to an ice thickness measurement device and method supporting internal and external ice melting. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the operation process of the coil type ice storage device, it is usually necessary to detect the ice thickness to understand the ice quantity in the device and master the state of the ice layer, so as to realize effective management of ice making and ice melting.

[0003] The conductivity detection is one of the main measurement methods of the ice thickness of the coil type ice storage device. However, the water quality of the coil type ice storage device changes in the long-term use process, which leads to the change of the conductivity, so that the conductivity detection is difficult to maintain reliability.

[0004] Therefore, an optimized solution is expected. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an ice thickness measurement device and method supporting internal and external ice melting, which solves the problem that the conductivity detection in the prior art is difficult to maintain reliability.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is solved by the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides an ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting, comprising an ice threshold value self-adaptive calibration method.

[0008] The ice threshold value self-adaptive calibration method comprises: obtaining a temperature value of the outermost ice layer or the innermost ice layer; obtaining a current conductivity when the temperature value is a first reference temperature to obtain a first reference temperature conductivity, obtaining a current conductivity when the temperature value is a second reference temperature to obtain a second reference temperature conductivity, and obtaining a current conductivity when the temperature value is a third reference temperature to obtain a third reference temperature conductivity as an initial ice threshold value; determining an ice threshold value based on the first reference temperature conductivity, the second reference temperature conductivity, and the initial ice threshold value.

[0009] Further, based on the first reference temperature conductivity, the second reference temperature conductivity, and the initial ice threshold value, the ice threshold value is determined, comprising: determining a water threshold value based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity; determining the ice threshold value based on the water threshold value and the initial ice threshold value.

[0010] Further, based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity, the water threshold value is determined, comprising: determining the water threshold value based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity using a conductivity temperature compensation formula; wherein the conductivity temperature compensation formula is expressed as:

[0011]

[0012] σ(T0) = σ(T1) * [1 + α * (T0 - T1)]

[0013] wherein α is a conductivity temperature coefficient at the first reference temperature, σ(T2) is a second reference temperature conductivity, σ(T0) is a first reference temperature conductivity, σ(T0) is a water threshold value, T2 is a value of the second reference temperature, T1 is a value of the first reference temperature, T0 is a value of 0, and * represents multiplication.

[0014] Further, based on the water threshold value and the initial ice threshold value, the ice threshold value is determined, comprising: based on the water threshold value and the initial ice threshold value, using an ice threshold value calculation formula to determine the ice threshold value; wherein the ice threshold value calculation formula is represented as:

[0015]

[0016] wherein σ(T4) is an ice threshold value, σ(T0) is a water threshold value, σ(T3) is an initial ice threshold value, and k is a preset proportion coefficient.

[0017] Further, the ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting further comprises: acquiring a plurality of alternating signals of a plurality of detection electrodes flowing through the plurality of detection electrodes alternately distributed in the multi-layer array; signal enhancement and conductivity conversion are performed on the plurality of alternating signals to obtain a plurality of conductivities; based on the comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold value, the number of electrodes in the icing area is determined; based on the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes and the number of electrodes, the ice thickness value is determined.

[0018] Further, the signal enhancement and conductivity conversion of the plurality of alternating signals to obtain a plurality of conductivities comprises: inputting the plurality of alternating signals into an ADC acquisition circuit to obtain a plurality of enhanced alternating signals; inputting the plurality of enhanced alternating signals into a micro control processor to obtain a plurality of conductivities.

[0019] Further, based on the comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold value, the number of electrodes in the icing area is determined, comprising: when the conductivity is lower than the ice threshold value, it is determined that the detection electrode corresponding to the conductivity is in the icing area.

[0020] Further, based on the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes and the number of electrodes, the ice thickness value is determined, comprising: based on the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes and the number of electrodes, using an ice thickness calculation formula to determine the ice thickness value; wherein the ice thickness calculation formula is represented as: h = n * x;

[0021] wherein h is the ice thickness value, n is the number of electrodes, x is the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes, and * represents multiplication.

[0022] In a second aspect, the application further provides an ice thickness measuring device supporting internal and external ice melting, comprising:

[0023] An ice threshold adaptive calibration module is configured to: acquire a temperature value of the outermost ice layer or the innermost ice layer; acquire a current conductivity when the temperature value is a first reference temperature to obtain a first reference temperature conductivity, acquire a current conductivity when the temperature value is a second reference temperature to obtain a second reference temperature conductivity, and acquire a current conductivity when the temperature value is a third reference temperature to obtain a third reference temperature conductivity as an initial ice threshold; and determine an ice threshold based on the first reference temperature conductivity, the second reference temperature conductivity, and the initial ice threshold.

[0024] An ice thickness measuring module is configured to: acquire a plurality of alternating current signals of a plurality of detection electrodes flowing through the multi-layer array alternating distribution part by the common electrode; input the plurality of alternating current signals into an ADC acquisition circuit to obtain a plurality of enhanced alternating current signals; input the plurality of enhanced alternating current signals into a micro control processor to obtain a plurality of conductivities; determine the number of electrodes in the icing area based on the comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold; and determine the ice thickness value based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes.

[0025] The application has the following beneficial effects: by setting the ice threshold adaptive calibration module in the ice thickness measuring device, the ice threshold can be adaptively calibrated when the water quality changes, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the icing area and providing more accurate data support for the measurement and determination of the ice thickness. In this way, the ice threshold is dynamically adjusted and calibrated, so that the measurement result of the ice thickness can more accurately reflect the actual ice layer condition, avoiding misjudgment caused by water quality changes, and ensuring the reliability of the conductivity detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 The ice threshold adaptive calibration method provided by the application is shown in the flowchart.

[0027] Figure 2 The detection electrode multi-layer array alternating distribution provided by the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0028] Figure 3 The example diagram of the ADC acquisition circuit provided by the application is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 The ice thickness measuring method provided by the application is shown in the flowchart.

[0030] Figure 5 The ice thickness measuring device provided by the application is shown in the structural diagram.

[0031] In the figure: ice thickness measurement device 100 supporting internal and external ice melting, ice threshold adaptive calibration module 110, ice thickness measurement module 120. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to easily understand the technical means, creative features, purposes and effects of the present application, the following will be further described in combination with specific drawings.

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, the present application provides an ice threshold adaptive calibration method, which comprises the following specific steps:

[0034] S1, obtaining the temperature value of the outermost ice layer or the innermost ice layer;

[0035] S2, obtaining the current electrical conductivity when the temperature value is the first reference temperature to obtain the first reference temperature electrical conductivity, obtaining the current electrical conductivity when the temperature value is the second reference temperature to obtain the second reference temperature electrical conductivity, and obtaining the current electrical conductivity when the temperature value is the third reference temperature to obtain the third reference temperature electrical conductivity as the initial ice threshold;

[0036] S3, determining the ice threshold based on the first reference temperature electrical conductivity, the second reference temperature electrical conductivity and the initial ice threshold.

[0037] It should be understood that electrical conductivity detection is one of the main measurement methods of the ice thickness of the disc tube ice storage device at present. However, the water quality of the disc tube ice storage device will change during long-term use, resulting in changes in electrical conductivity, making it difficult for electrical conductivity detection to maintain reliability.

[0038] Through the above-mentioned ice threshold adaptive calibration method, the ice threshold can be adaptively calibrated when the water quality changes, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the ice formation area, providing more accurate data support for the measurement and determination of ice thickness, and improving the reliability of electrical conductivity detection.

[0039] Specifically, in actual application scenarios, the temperature sensor is used to collect temperature values in real time, providing conditions for subsequent ice threshold adaptive calibration.

[0040] Generally, internal ice melting refers to the process of ice layer on the outer surface of the disc tube gradually melting from the inside out. External ice melting refers to the process of ice layer on the outer surface of the disc tube gradually melting from the outside in.

[0041] In one specific example of the present application, the temperature sensor is disposed in the outermost ice layer and the innermost ice layer respectively, so as to obtain more comprehensive temperature conditions during the ice threshold adaptive calibration of the ice storage device, and provide continuous and reliable data sources for monitoring the first to third reference temperatures.

[0042] In addition, the stable operation of the device can be ensured by the redundant design. That is, when one of the temperature sensors fails, the other temperature sensor can still provide temperature data, thereby ensuring the reliability of the conductivity detection and the ice thickness measurement.

[0043] In the technical solution of the present application, the current conductivity is obtained by using the detection electrode, the common electrode capable of forming a specific current loop with the detection electrode, the ADC acquisition circuit, and the micro-control processor.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2 The detection electrodes are preferably arranged in a multi-layer array alternating distribution structure in the ice storage (cold storage) area of the ice storage device, and each detection electrode does not overlap in the vertical direction, so as to reduce the influence of the electrodes on ice making and ice melting, and to realize layered detection of the ice thickness. In one specific example, the spacing between the ice layers where each detection electrode is located is 4 mm.

[0045] Preferably, the common electrode is a bent electrode, such as a 90-degree bent electrode, the horizontal part of which corresponds to the initial position of the ice layer of the ice storage device, and the vertical part of which covers the entire ice layer thickness, so as to ensure detection under both internal and external ice melting conditions.

[0046] More specifically, the micro-control processor first applies an excitation signal, such as an alternating current signal, between the detection electrode and the common electrode through the driving circuit. The applied excitation signal forms a current loop between the detection electrode and the common electrode. The ions in the solution move under the action of the electric field, forming an electric current.

[0047] In particular, during operation, an alternating current signal, such as a + / - 5V alternating square wave signal, is output to the common electrode to slow down the electrode polarization. It should be understood that if a direct current signal is used, charges will continuously accumulate on the surface of the electrode, causing changes in the electrode potential, thereby causing polarization. This polarization phenomenon will interfere with the measurement signal and reduce the accuracy of the measurement.

[0048] The polarity of the alternating current signal changes continuously, and the charges on the surface of the electrode will periodically alternate between positive and negative, without long-term accumulation of charges. This periodic change keeps the potential on the surface of the electrode relatively stable, thereby slowing down the polarization phenomenon.

[0049] By measuring the voltage drop between the electrodes in the measurement loop, a signal reflecting the conductivity of the solution can be obtained. Specifically, the signal is input to the ADC acquisition circuit to perform signal conditioning, such as amplification and filtering, on the signal.

[0050] More specifically, in one example of the present application, as shown in Figure 3As shown, the ADC acquisition circuit includes a signal amplification circuit and a limiting circuit to first increase the driving capacity of the alternating current signal, and then remove the signal of the negative half cycle through the limiting circuit, only retaining the alternating current signal that can be collected by the micro-control processor. In the figure, TLC2252AIDR refers to the TLC2252AIDR operational amplifier chip, MMSZ4684 refers to the MMSZ4684 voltage stabilizing diode, AN6 is the circuit input, and AD_IN6 is the circuit output.

[0051] In this way, the conditioned signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal for the micro-control processor to read. Subsequently, the micro-control processor calculates the conductivity according to the digital signal in combination with known excitation signal parameters.

[0052] For example, the voltage amplitude V is obtained from the digital signal, the resistance R is calculated by the known excitation current I: R = V / I; and the conductivity σ is further calculated: σ = K / R.

[0053] Wherein, K is the electrode constant, K = L / A, L is the distance between the electrodes, and A is the effective area of the electrode.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, after the first reference temperature conductivity, the second reference temperature conductivity, and the third reference temperature conductivity (initial ice threshold) are obtained respectively, the specific steps of determining the ice threshold include:

[0055] Firstly, the water threshold is determined based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity; and then, the ice threshold is determined based on the water threshold and the initial ice threshold.

[0056] More specifically, the water threshold is determined based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity, including:

[0057] The water threshold is determined based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity using a conductivity temperature compensation formula; wherein the conductivity temperature compensation formula is expressed as:

[0058]

[0059] σ(T0) = σ(T1) * [1 + α * (T0 - T1)]

[0060] Wherein, α is the conductivity temperature coefficient at the first reference temperature, with the unit of ℃ -1 , σ(T2) is the second reference temperature conductivity, σ(T1) is the first reference temperature conductivity, σ(T0) is the water threshold, the value of T2 is the second reference temperature, the value of T1 is the first reference temperature, the value of T0 is 0, and * represents multiplication.

[0061] More specifically, the ice threshold is determined based on the water threshold and the initial ice threshold, including:

[0062] Based on the water threshold value and the initial ice threshold value, an ice threshold value is determined using an ice threshold value calculation formula; wherein the ice threshold value calculation formula is expressed as:

[0063]

[0064] wherein σ(T4) is the ice threshold value, σ(T0) is the water threshold value, σ(T3) is the initial ice threshold value, and k is a preset proportion coefficient.

[0065] In actual conductivity detection scenarios, the conductivity of water at 0 degrees Celsius is usually used as the water threshold value. However, in a cold storage device, when the temperature is close to 0 degrees Celsius, the state in the cold storage area can be ice, water, or a mixture of ice and water. Because the conductivity of water varies greatly in different states, the conductivity measured at 0 degrees Celsius cannot be simply used as the water threshold value.

[0066] Meanwhile, due to the existence of electrode polarization and changes in water quality during long-term use, the conductivity temperature coefficient will also be different. That is, during the determination of the water threshold value, the conductivity temperature coefficient also needs to be recalculated accordingly.

[0067] The conductivity temperature coefficient is usually defined as the ratio of the change in conductivity with temperature at a reference temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. However, the cold storage device is actually used in a low-temperature environment, and the temperature generally does not reach 25 degrees Celsius. Here, 10 degrees Celsius is taken as the first reference temperature, and 5 degrees Celsius is taken as the second reference temperature.

[0068] Because the conductivity of water changes with temperature and generally shows a certain linear relationship, the conductivities at 5 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius are measured, and the conductivity temperature coefficient at 10 degrees Celsius is calculated as the reference temperature conductivity temperature coefficient through the above conductivity temperature compensation formula.

[0069] In this way, based on the linear change relationship between conductivity and temperature, the conductivity at 0 degrees Celsius, i.e., the water threshold value, is inferred according to the conductivity temperature coefficient at 10 degrees Celsius.

[0070] Because the conductivity will drop sharply after water turns into ice, the conductivity temperature compensation formula will no longer be applicable. Therefore, a new relationship formula needs to be developed to obtain the ice threshold value.

[0071] In an example of the present application, the third reference temperature is set to -1 degrees Celsius, and the average of the conductivity at -1 degrees Celsius and the conductivity at 0 degrees Celsius (the water threshold value) is taken as the ice threshold value when the preset proportion coefficient is 1. In this way, the ice water mixture or water can be avoided from being misjudged as ice, so as to ensure that the ice layer state is more in line with the actual situation when identified, and the accuracy of ice thickness measurement is improved.

[0072] It is worth mentioning that the preset proportion coefficient can be dynamically adjusted to meet the actual application scene.

[0073] As Figure 4 shown, the ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting provided by the present application has the following specific steps, which include:

[0074] S10, acquiring a plurality of alternating current signals of a plurality of detection electrodes flowing through the plurality of detection electrodes alternately distributed and arranged by the common electrode;

[0075] S20, signal enhancement and conductivity conversion are performed on the plurality of alternating current signals to obtain a plurality of conductivities;

[0076] S30, based on a comparison between the plurality of conductivities and an ice threshold value, determining a number of electrodes in an icing area;

[0077] S40, based on the number of electrodes and a distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes, determining an ice thickness value.

[0078] Preferably, the signal enhancement and the conductivity conversion performed on the plurality of alternating current signals to obtain the plurality of conductivities include:

[0079] inputting the plurality of alternating current signals into an ADC acquisition circuit to obtain a plurality of enhanced alternating current signals;

[0080] inputting the plurality of enhanced alternating current signals into a micro-control processor to obtain the plurality of conductivities.

[0081] Preferably, based on the comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold value, determining the number of electrodes in the icing area includes:

[0082] when the conductivity is lower than the ice threshold value, determining that the detection electrode corresponding to the conductivity is in the icing area.

[0083] Preferably, based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes, determining the ice thickness value includes:

[0084] based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes, using an ice thickness calculation formula to determine the ice thickness value; wherein the ice thickness calculation formula is represented as: h=n*x;

[0085] wherein h is the ice thickness value, n is the number of electrodes, x is the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes, and * represents multiplication.

[0086] As Figure 5 shown, the ice thickness measurement device 100 supporting internal and external ice melting provided by the present application includes:

[0087] an ice threshold value self-adaptive calibration module 110, configured to:

[0088] acquire a temperature value of an outermost ice layer or an innermost ice layer;

[0089] obtaining a current conductivity when the temperature value is the first reference temperature to obtain a first reference temperature conductivity, obtaining a current conductivity when the temperature value is the second reference temperature to obtain a second reference temperature conductivity, and obtaining a current conductivity when the temperature value is the third reference temperature to obtain a third reference temperature conductivity as an initial ice threshold value;

[0090] determining the ice threshold value based on the first reference temperature conductivity, the second reference temperature conductivity, and the initial ice threshold value;

[0091] an ice thickness measurement module 120, configured to:

[0092] obtaining a plurality of alternating current signals flowing through a plurality of detection electrodes alternately distributed and arranged by the common electrode in the multi-layer array;

[0093] inputting the plurality of alternating current signals into an ADC acquisition circuit to obtain a plurality of enhanced alternating current signals; inputting the plurality of enhanced alternating current signals into a micro-control processor to obtain a plurality of conductivities;

[0094] determining the number of electrodes in the icing area based on a comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold value;

[0095] determining the ice thickness value based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes.

[0096] The basic principles, main features and advantages of the present application are shown and described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. These changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for measuring ice thickness supporting internal and external ice melting, characterized in that: Includes ice threshold adaptive calibration method; The ice threshold adaptive calibration method comprises: Get the temperature value of the outermost ice layer or the innermost ice layer; When the temperature value is a first reference temperature, the current conductivity is obtained to obtain a first reference temperature conductivity; when the temperature value is a second reference temperature, the current conductivity is obtained to obtain a second reference temperature conductivity; when the temperature value is a third reference temperature, the current conductivity is obtained to obtain a third reference temperature conductivity as an initial ice threshold, wherein the third reference temperature is -1 degrees Celsius; determining an ice threshold based on the first reference temperature conductivity, the second reference temperature conductivity, and the initial ice threshold, the initial ice threshold representing conductivity at -1 degrees Celsius; Acquire multiple AC signals flowing from a common electrode through multiple detection electrodes alternately distributed in a multi-layer array; performing signal enhancement and conductivity conversion on the multiple AC signals to obtain multiple conductivities; determining a number of electrodes in an ice formation region based on a comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold; determining an ice thickness value based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes; The step of determining a water threshold based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity includes: determining the water threshold using a conductivity temperature compensation formula based on the first reference temperature conductivity and the second reference temperature conductivity; The conductivity temperature compensation formula is expressed as: σ(T0)=σ(T1)*[1+α*(T0-T1)] Wherein, α is the conductivity temperature coefficient at the first reference temperature, σ(T2) is the conductivity at the second reference temperature, σ(T1) is the conductivity at the first reference temperature, σ(T0) is the water threshold, indicating conductivity at 0 degrees Celsius, the value of T2 is the second reference temperature, the value of T1 is the first reference temperature, the value of T0 is 0, and * indicates multiplication.

2. The ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting according to claim 1, characterized in that: Determining an ice threshold based on the water threshold and the initial ice threshold includes: Determining the ice threshold using an ice threshold calculation formula based on the water threshold and the initial ice threshold; The ice threshold calculation formula is expressed as: Wherein, σ(T4) is the ice threshold, σ(T0) is the water threshold, σ(T3) is the initial ice threshold, and k is a preset proportional coefficient.

3. The ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting according to claim 1, characterized in that: Performing signal enhancement and conductivity conversion on the multiple AC signals to obtain multiple conductivities, comprising: Inputting the multiple AC signals into an ADC acquisition circuit to obtain multiple enhanced AC signals; The plurality of enhanced AC signals are input into a microcontroller to obtain the plurality of conductivities.

4. The ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting according to claim 3, characterized in that: Determining the number of electrodes in an icing area based on a comparison between the plurality of conductivities and the ice threshold value comprises: When the electrical conductivity is lower than the ice threshold, it is determined that the detection electrode corresponding to the electrical conductivity is in an ice region.

5. The ice thickness measurement method supporting internal and external ice melting according to claim 4, characterized in that: Determining an ice thickness value based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes includes: Determining the ice thickness value using an ice thickness calculation formula based on the number of electrodes and the distribution spacing between the plurality of detection electrodes; The ice thickness calculation formula is expressed as: h = n*x; Wherein, h is the ice thickness value, n is the number of electrodes, x is the distribution spacing between the multiple detection electrodes, and * represents multiplication.

6. An ice thickness measurement device supporting internal and external ice melting, characterized in that: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is carried out.

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