Calorific Value Calculation Using Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the calorific value of mixed gases require expensive equipment such as gas chromatography devices and sound speed sensors, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container, temperature measurement elements, a heater element, and a formula creation module that generates a calorific value calculation formula using electric signals from temperature and heater elements at various heating temperatures, allowing for the calculation of calorific values without the need for expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas chromatography device is used to analyze mixed gas components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chromatographic separation system with a thermal conductivity measurement system. Instead of using gas chromatography to physically separate and identify gas components, the invention measures thermal conductivity properties that directly indicate calorific value, substituting a simpler thermal measurement approach for a complex separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive thermal conductivity sensors and heating elements rather than expensive gas chromatography equipment. The measurement system uses readily available temperature sensors and power measurements to determine calorific value, replacing costly analytical instruments with simple, affordable thermal measurement components.
2Measurement precision
If sound speed sensor and thermal conductivity sensor are used to measure mixed gas properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the sound speed sensor from the measurement system. Instead of measuring both thermal conductivity and sound speed to determine gas composition, the invention focuses solely on thermal conductivity measurements combined with power consumption data, removing the need for the complex sound speed measurement apparatus while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the thermal conductivity measurement system multi-functional by using it to determine both gas composition characteristics and calorific value directly. The same thermal conductivity measurement that would traditionally be used for composition analysis is extended to directly provide calorific value information, eliminating the need for separate sound speed measurements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure thermal conductivity and speed of sound, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sound speed measurement component from the operation sequence, simplifying the measurement process to only thermal conductivity and power consumption measurements. This extraction of the sound speed measurement step reduces operational complexity while maintaining the ability to determine calorific value through thermal conductivity analysis.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective calculation of calorific values for mixed gases by using readily measurable electric signals, reducing the reliance on expensive instrumentation and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element which is disposed in the container and arranged to generate heat at a plurality of heating temperatures
Implementation Method 2
a temperature measurement element disposed in the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A calorific value calculation formula creating system includes: a container (101) into which a mixed gas including a plurality of gases is injected; a temperature measurement element (62,63) disposed in the container; a heater element (61) which is disposed in the container and generates heat at a plurality of heating temperatures; a measurement module (301) which measures first values of electric signals generated from the temperature measurement element and second values of electric signals generated from the heater element at each of the heating temperatures, wherein the first values depend on temperatures of the temperature measurement element at the plurality of gases; and a formula creation module (302) which creates a calorific value calculation formula based on predetermined calorific values of the plurality of gases, the first values, and the second values. The calorific value calculation formula is represented by: the first values and the second values, both of which are set as independent variables in the calorific value calculation formula; and a calorific value of the mixed gas that is set as a dependent variable in the calorific value calculation formula.