Integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of heat metering instrument technology and discloses an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter, including a main body and a top cover installed on the top of the main body. The main body has a fluid channel, and the top cover and the main body form an installation cavity. The side wall of the main body is provided with mounting holes for temperature sensors, flow sensors, and pressure sensors. The temperature sensor, flow sensor, and pressure sensor installed in the mounting holes are all located in the installation cavity. This utility model integrates temperature, flow, and pressure sensors into a unified installation cavity, eliminating the need for separate sensor placement and external connectors, saving equipment volume, and reducing manufacturing costs and installation complexity. It adopts a through-beam ultrasonic probe layout and accurately captures flow velocity through the time difference method, resulting in smaller errors in heat calculation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat metering instrument technology, and in particular to an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter. Background Technology

[0002] In heating, cooling, and industrial fluid systems, thermal energy metering is a key component for achieving energy efficiency management and energy-saving optimization. Traditional integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meters typically employ a discrete sensor design, where temperature, flow, and pressure sensors are installed at different locations on the pipeline, and data acquisition and processing are performed through independent circuits.

[0003] The existing technology has significant drawbacks: on the one hand, discrete sensors require a large installation space and have complex wiring, resulting in a large overall device size and high manufacturing cost; on the other hand, the dispersed layout of multiple sensors is susceptible to external environmental interference, and the synchronization of measurement data is poor, affecting the accuracy of heat calculation. Furthermore, the main structure of existing equipment is mostly made of ordinary plastic or metal, which is prone to deterioration in sealing performance due to thermal deformation or media corrosion during long-term operation, thus leading to leakage risks. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter, which aims to solve the technical problems of existing ultrasonic flow meters, which require separate sensors to occupy a large installation space and have complex wiring, resulting in a large overall size of the device, high manufacturing cost, and the susceptibility of multiple sensors to external environmental interference.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned utility model objectives, the first aspect of this utility model proposes an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter, including a structural body and a top cover installed on the top of the structural body. The structural body has a fluid channel, and the top cover and the structural body form an installation cavity. The side wall of the structural body is provided with temperature sensor mounting holes, flow sensor mounting holes, and pressure sensor mounting holes. The temperature sensor, flow sensor, and pressure sensor installed in the temperature sensor mounting holes, flow sensor mounting holes, and pressure sensor mounting holes are all located in the installation cavity. Both the flow sensor and the pressure sensor are electrically connected to the processing unit installed in the mounting cavity. The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is disposed at the inlet of the fluid channel, and the second temperature sensor is disposed at the outlet of the fluid channel, for measuring the fluid inlet temperature and outlet temperature. The processing unit is electrically connected to the ultrasonic sensor and the temperature sensor. The processing unit is used to calculate the thermal energy based on the flow rate measured by the ultrasonic sensor and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet measured by the temperature sensor.

[0006] Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor includes a pair of through-beam ultrasonic probes, which are fixedly mounted on the fluid channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the temperature sensor installed in the temperature sensor mounting hole is a contact-type NTC temperature probe built into the main body of the structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the flow sensor installed in the flow sensor mounting hole is installed downstream of the fluid channel and is used to measure the fluid flow rate.

[0009] Furthermore, the pressure sensor installed in the pressure sensor mounting hole is used to measure fluid pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, the processing unit includes a signal conditioning module and a timing module. The signal conditioning module includes a programmable gain amplifier for adjusting the amplitude of the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor. The timing module is configured to perform multiple time measurements and calculate the average propagation time.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressure sensor is a ceramic pressure sensor, which is installed in the fluid channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the processing unit is also configured to determine whether bubbles exist in the fluid based on the attenuation characteristics of the ultrasonic signal.

[0013] Furthermore, the main body of the structure is injection molded from a material with high thermal conductivity, low thermal deformation and high structural strength, and the liquid-contacting components of the fluid channel are sealed with EPDM rubber.

[0014] Furthermore, the processing unit adopts a monolithically integrated ultrasonic flow conversion chip, which integrates a high-voltage drive circuit, a programmable gain amplifier, and a 32-bit CPU.

[0015] Beneficial effects: 1. This utility model's integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter integrates temperature, flow, and pressure sensors into a unified mounting cavity, eliminating the need for separate sensor placement and external connectors, thus saving equipment size and reducing manufacturing costs and installation complexity. It employs a through-beam ultrasonic probe layout, accurately capturing flow velocity using the time-difference method, combined with a built-in NTC temperature probe for real-time temperature difference monitoring, eliminating fluid turbulence and external interference, resulting in minimal errors in heat calculation. The ceramic pressure sensor is corrosion-resistant and high-temperature resistant, ensuring reliable pressure measurement during long-term operation.

[0016] 2. This utility model's integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter utilizes a signal conditioning module to dynamically adjust the amplitude of the received ultrasonic signal, combined with a multiple time measurement algorithm, to effectively suppress noise interference. The bubble detection function automatically corrects flow velocity errors caused by bubbles by analyzing the ultrasonic attenuation characteristics, adapting to complex fluid conditions. The main body is made of high thermal conductivity engineering plastic, which quickly disperses heat to avoid localized temperature rise and extend sensor life. The EPDM rubber sealing material is resistant to aging and media corrosion, ensuring long-term sealing performance and reducing maintenance frequency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter after the end cap is disassembled according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the system control of an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] in: 1-Main structure; 2-Fluid channel; 3-Ultrasonic sensor; 4-Temperature sensor mounting hole; 5-Processing unit; 6-Flow sensor mounting hole; 7-Pressure sensor mounting hole.

[0019] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0020] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] Reference Figures 1-4An embodiment of this utility model provides an integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter, including a structural body 1 and a top cover installed on the top of the structural body 1. The structural body 1 has a fluid channel 2. The top cover and the structural body 1 form an installation cavity. The side wall of the structural body 1 is provided with a temperature sensor mounting hole 4, a flow sensor mounting hole 6 and a pressure sensor mounting hole 7. The temperature sensor, flow sensor and pressure sensor installed in the temperature sensor mounting hole 4, flow sensor mounting hole 6 and pressure sensor mounting hole 7 are all located in the installation cavity. Both the flow sensor and the pressure sensor are electrically connected to the processing unit 5 installed in the mounting cavity. The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is located at the inlet of the fluid channel 2, and the second temperature sensor is located at the outlet of the fluid channel 2. It is used to measure the fluid inlet temperature and outlet temperature. The processing unit 5 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the temperature sensor. The processing unit 5 is used to calculate the thermal energy based on the flow rate measured by the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet measured by the temperature sensor.

[0025] In this embodiment, the side wall of the main body 1 is provided with temperature sensor mounting hole 4, flow sensor mounting hole 6 and pressure sensor mounting hole 7. All three are located in the mounting cavity, which facilitates the centralized deployment of sensors and the realization of signal integration.

[0026] By integrating temperature, flow, and pressure sensors into a single mounting cavity, the dispersed layout of traditional separate sensors is avoided, saving overall equipment size. The integrated design reduces the need for external connecting components and wiring, lowering manufacturing costs and installation complexity. A unified sensor mounting location reduces environmental interference and improves the synchronization and accuracy of multi-parameter measurements.

[0027] Optionally, the ultrasonic sensor 3 includes a pair of through-beam ultrasonic probes, which are fixedly mounted on the fluid channel 2.

[0028] It should be noted that the ultrasonic sensor 3 consists of a pair of through-beam probes, which are fixedly installed on the upper and lower sides of the fluid channel 2. The transmitting and receiving ends of the probes are symmetrically distributed along the direction of fluid flow, and the flow velocity is calculated by measuring the time difference between the downstream and upstream propagation of the ultrasonic waves.

[0029] The through-beam configuration effectively eliminates the effects of fluid turbulence or vibration, improving the stability of time-difference method measurements. Fixed probe mounting avoids mechanical wear, and the through-beam path covers the mainstream fluid flow area, reducing errors caused by localized flow anomalies.

[0030] Optionally, the temperature sensor installed in the temperature sensor mounting hole 4 is a contact-type NTC temperature probe built into the main body 1.

[0031] It should be noted that the temperature sensor adopts a built-in contact-type NTC probe, which is directly embedded in the temperature sensor mounting hole 4 of the main body 1 and is in contact with the inlet and outlet of the fluid channel 2.

[0032] The NTC probe's thermistor material is in direct contact with the fluid, resulting in a short response time and real-time temperature capture. Its built-in design avoids interference from external ambient temperature, ensuring accurate calculation of the inlet and outlet temperature difference ΔT.

[0033] Optionally, the flow sensor installed in the flow sensor mounting hole 6 is located downstream of the fluid channel 2 and is used to measure the fluid flow rate. The pressure sensor installed in the pressure sensor mounting hole 7 is used to measure the fluid pressure.

[0034] It should be noted that the flow sensor is installed downstream of fluid channel 2 to measure fluid flow rate; the pressure sensor is installed in the middle of fluid channel 2 to monitor fluid pressure.

[0035] Downstream installation allows for the acquisition of a stable flow velocity with full fluid development, reducing the impact of inlet disturbances on measurements. The mid-section pressure sensor reflects the actual working pressure of the fluid within the channel, providing crucial parameters for thermal energy calculations.

[0036] Optionally, the processing unit 5 includes a signal conditioning module and a timing module. The signal conditioning module includes a programmable gain amplifier for adjusting the amplitude of the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor 3. The timing module is configured to perform multiple time measurements and calculate the average propagation time.

[0037] It should be noted that processing unit 5 integrates a signal conditioning module and a timing module: The signal conditioning module includes a programmable gain amplifier to dynamically adjust the amplitude of the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor 3, adapting to different fluid densities and noise environments. The timing module eliminates random errors and improves the accuracy of propagation time calculation by taking multiple time measurements and averaging them.

[0038] Gain amplifiers compensate for ultrasonic signal attenuation, ensuring measurement reliability under low flow rate or high noise conditions. Multiple sampling algorithms significantly reduce single-sample measurement errors, improving the accuracy of flow rate and heat calculations.

[0039] Optionally, the pressure sensor is a ceramic pressure sensor, installed in the fluid channel 2. The processing unit 5 is also configured to determine whether air bubbles exist in the fluid based on the attenuation characteristics of the ultrasonic signal.

[0040] It should be noted that the pressure sensor is made of ceramic material and is embedded in the fluid channel 2; the processing unit 5 determines whether there are air bubbles in the fluid by analyzing the attenuation characteristics of the ultrasonic signal.

[0041] The ceramic sensor is resistant to high temperatures and chemical corrosion, making it suitable for complex water environments. The bubble detection function can correct for flow rate or temperature measurement deviations caused by bubbles in real time, improving the accuracy of heat energy measurement.

[0042] Optionally, the main body 1 is injection molded from a material with high thermal conductivity, low thermal deformation and high structural strength, and the liquid-receiving component of the fluid channel 2 is made of EPDM rubber sealing material.

[0043] It should be noted that the main body 1 is injection molded from engineering plastic with high thermal conductivity and low thermal deformation, and the liquid-contacting parts of the fluid channel 2 are sealed with EPDM rubber.

[0044] High thermal conductivity materials rapidly dissipate heat, preventing localized temperature rises that could cause sensor drift. EPDM materials are resistant to aging and corrosion, ensuring leak-free operation over long periods.

[0045] Optionally, the processing unit 5 uses a monolithically integrated ultrasonic flow conversion chip, which integrates a high-voltage drive circuit, a programmable gain amplifier, and a 32-bit CPU.

[0046] It should be noted that the processing unit 5 uses a monolithically integrated ultrasonic flow conversion chip, which integrates a high-voltage drive circuit, a programmable gain amplifier, and a 32-bit CPU.

[0047] Chip integration reduces the number of peripheral circuits, lowers the failure rate, and shrinks the device size. The 32-bit CPU can quickly complete multi-sensor data fusion and complex calculations, meeting the needs of real-time thermal energy metering.

[0048] Instructions: First, the main body 1 must be installed in the fluid pipeline using a flange or threaded connection, ensuring that the fluid channel 2 is fully aligned with the pipeline to avoid obstructing fluid flow. During installation, the top cover and the main body 1 should fit tightly together using a sealing ring to form a sealed installation cavity, preventing the intrusion of external impurities. Then, the first and second temperature sensors in the temperature sensor mounting holes 4 should be embedded into the inlet and outlet positions of the fluid channel 2, respectively, ensuring their contact surfaces are in full contact with the fluid to accurately capture the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet. The ultrasonic sensor 3 in the flow sensor mounting holes 6 consists of a pair of through-beam probes and must be fixed to the upper and lower sides of the fluid channel 2. Adjust the probe positions so that the transmitting and receiving ends are symmetrically distributed along the fluid flow direction, ensuring that the ultrasonic wave propagation path covers the mainstream fluid area. The ceramic pressure sensor in the pressure sensor mounting holes 7 must be embedded in the middle of the fluid channel 2 and fixed using a threaded or snap-fit ​​structure, ensuring that its measuring end is in direct contact with the fluid.

[0049] After the equipment is powered on, the processing unit 5 starts up. First, the signal conditioning module applies high voltage to the transmitted signal of the ultrasonic sensor 3, and a programmable gain amplifier is used to adjust the amplitude of the received signal to eliminate fluid density or noise interference. Simultaneously, the timing module measures the time difference between the upstream and downstream propagation of the ultrasonic waves, and calculates the flow velocity by averaging multiple samples. Temperature sensors collect inlet and outlet temperature data in real time, and pressure sensors monitor fluid pressure synchronously. The processing unit 5 inputs the flow velocity, temperature difference, and pressure data into a preset algorithm, combines the fluid density (ρ) and specific heat capacity (Cp) parameters, and calculates the heat energy using the formula Q=ρ·Cp·ΔT·V. The results are stored or transmitted to the remote management system via a communication interface (such as 485 or M-BUS). During operation, if the processing unit 5 detects abnormal ultrasonic signal attenuation, it triggers the bubble detection function to automatically correct the flow velocity error caused by bubbles. If the pressure sensor reports abnormal fluctuations, the system will prompt the system to check for pipe blockage or fluid status. This operation process, through integrated sensor layout, signal optimization algorithms, and material sealing design, achieves high accuracy, low maintenance costs, and long-term stability in heat energy measurement.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter, comprising a main body (1) and a top cover mounted on the top of the main body (1), wherein the main body (1) has a fluid channel (2), characterized in that: The top cover and the main body (1) form an installation cavity, and the side wall of the main body (1) is provided with temperature sensor installation holes (4), flow sensor installation holes (6) and pressure sensor installation holes (7). The temperature sensor, flow sensor and pressure sensor installed in the temperature sensor installation holes (4), flow sensor installation holes (6) and pressure sensor installation holes (7) are all located in the installation cavity. Both the flow sensor and the pressure sensor are electrically connected to the processing unit (5) installed in the mounting cavity; The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is located at the inlet of the fluid channel (2), and the second temperature sensor is located at the outlet of the fluid channel (2). The sensor is used to measure the fluid inlet temperature and outlet temperature. The processing unit (5) is electrically connected to the ultrasonic sensor (3) and the temperature sensor. The processing unit (5) is used to calculate the thermal energy based on the flow rate measured by the ultrasonic sensor (3) and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet measured by the temperature sensor.

2. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic sensor (3) includes a pair of through-beam ultrasonic probes, which are fixedly installed on the fluid channel (2).

3. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor installed in the temperature sensor mounting hole (4) is a contact NTC temperature probe built into the main body of the structure (1).

4. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow sensor installed in the flow sensor mounting hole (6) is installed downstream of the fluid channel (2) and is used to measure the fluid flow rate.

5. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor installed in the pressure sensor mounting hole (7) is used to measure fluid pressure.

6. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit (5) includes a signal conditioning module and a timing module. The signal conditioning module includes a programmable gain amplifier for adjusting the amplitude of the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor (3). The timing module is configured to perform multiple time measurements and calculate the average propagation time.

7. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is a ceramic pressure sensor, which is installed in the fluid channel (2).

8. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit (5) is also configured to determine whether there are bubbles in the fluid based on the attenuation characteristics of the ultrasonic signal.

9. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) is injection molded from a material with high thermal conductivity, low thermal deformation and high structural strength, and the liquid-contacting parts of the fluid channel (2) are made of EPDM rubber sealing material.

10. The integrated pressure ultrasonic thermal energy meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit (5) adopts a monolithically integrated ultrasonic flow conversion chip, which integrates a high-voltage drive circuit, a programmable gain amplifier and a 32-bit CPU.

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