Capacitive Sensor for Composite Pressure Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for monitoring the gas level in pressurized composite pressure vessels are not suitable for portable vessels due to the risk of leaks and the difficulty in maintaining or recharging external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a sensor unit with capacitive measuring capabilities, suspended from an inlet-outlet unit, which measures the gas level in liquid form within the pressure vessel. The system includes at least two sensor electrodes, a communication unit, and a power unit, with an energy harvesting unit and a power management unit to minimize energy consumption and eliminate the need for external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external power sources are used to supply energy to the sensor system, then the sensor can function continuously, but the system becomes difficult to maintain and recharge in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests energy from the pressure vessel environment itself (vibrations, temperature differences, or pressure changes) to power its own operations, eliminating the need for external power sources that would require maintenance or recharging in remote locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor system is made portable and removable, then it can be used with different pressure vessels, but ensuring leak-free operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is nested within a sealed housing that integrates with the pressure vessel's existing sealing mechanisms, allowing the sensor to be removable yet maintain leak-free operation through nested sealing interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed interface or intermediary component is introduced between the sensor housing and the pressure vessel, acting as a mediator that enables removable connection while maintaining leak-free operation through magnetic or mechanical sealing
3Measurement precision
If a rigid capacitive probe is mounted inside the tank, then level measurement is achieved, but the probe cannot be removed without destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensing system is divided into separate modular components (electrodes, housing, electronics) that can be independently replaced, allowing the sensor to be removed and replaced without destroying any single component
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive probe is designed with flexible or movable elements that allow it to be inserted and removed dynamically, replacing the rigid fixed mounting with a dynamic removable connection that maintains measurement precision
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 system allows for long-term monitoring of gas levels in composite pressure vessels without maintenance, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring accurate measurements, even in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the level of gas in liquid form in a pressure vessel using electrical capacitance
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive measuring unit for measuring the level of gas in liquid form in the pressure vessel
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for measuring the level of gas in liquid form in a composite pressure vessel that uses electrical capacitance to perform the measuring wherein the system comprises: a sensor unit suspended from an inlet-outlet unit and arranged to extend into the pressure vessel, wherein the sensor unit comprises a capacitive measuring unit for measuring the level of gas in liquid form in the pressure vessel, at least two sensor electrodes connected to the capacitive measuring unit, a communication unit for communicating the information measured by the capacitive measuring unit, and a power unit for supplying power to at least one of the at least two electrodes, the capacitive measuring unit and the communication unit.