Autonomous device for measuring the characteristics of a fluid circulating in a conduit and system for controlling ventilation, air conditioning and/or heating using such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems face challenges in efficiently measuring fluid characteristics at low flow speeds and require costly installations of multiple sensors and complex communication systems, which are not suitable for conventional building conditions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous device with a rotor and stator assembly, utilizing a magneto-electric converter and permanent magnetic field source, capable of generating electric charges from low-speed fluid flows, integrated with a processing circuit for energy-efficient measurement and control of fluid characteristics, and a control system for adjusting building conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional turbine-based energy harvesting device is used, then energy generation efficiency increases at high flow speeds, but the device cannot operate at low flow speeds typical in conventional building ventilation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter of the energy harvesting mechanism from high-speed rotation (conventional turbine) to low-speed deformation (flexible piezoelectric blades). The piezoelectric blades are designed to flex and deform in response to low-speed air flow, generating electrical energy through mechanical deformation rather than rotational motion. This parameter change enables energy harvesting at the low flow speeds (0.1-1 m/s) typical of conventional building ventilation systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measuring devices and complex communication systems are installed throughout the building, then measurement precision and data representativeness improve, but installation cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated device that combines energy harvesting, fluid flow measurement, and wireless communication capabilities in a single unit. The device uses the piezoelectric blades to both generate energy and measure flow characteristics, while the harvested energy powers onboard sensors and wireless transmitters. This universal design eliminates the need for separate measuring devices, power supplies, and communication systems throughout the building, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
3Power
If high air flow speed is used to drive the turbine, then sufficient energy is generated for device operation, but the device is not suitable for conventional ventilation systems with low flow speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical turbine rotation system with a flexible piezoelectric deformation system. Instead of using high-speed air flow to rotate a turbine, the invention uses low-speed air flow to flex piezoelectric blades, which directly convert mechanical deformation into electrical energy. This substitution of the mechanical energy conversion mechanism enables sufficient power generation at the low air flow speeds (0.1-1 m/s) found in conventional building ventilation systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides energy-autonomous, low-noise, and cost-effective measurement and control of fluid characteristics in ventilation systems, suitable for a wide range of flow speeds, reducing energy consumption and installation costs while maintaining indoor comfort and air quality.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-electric converter (2) having a reference plane and capable of transforming a variation in the reference plane of a magnetic field into a mechanical deformation capable of generating electric charges
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnetic field source (3) defining a magnetic plane arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the turbine
Implementation Method 3
a rotor (11) comprising a turbine (11a) capable of being driven in rotation by the fluid circulating in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous device for measuring at least one characteristic of a fluid circulating in a conduit in a flow direction comprises a permanent magnetic field source, a magneto-electric converter and a processing circuit capable of using the electric charges supplied by the converter to supply a measurement of a characteristic of its environment. The source and the converter are placed in a stator and a rotor forming the device. The autonomous device further comprises attachment means allowing the stator to be fixedly placed in the conduit or at one end of the conduit, in a configuration in which the axis of rotation of the rotor is parallel to the flow direction. A control system may employ at least one such autonomous device.