Circular Sensor Assemblies for Robust Hydraulic Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices used to measure hydraulic conditions in water systems, such as hydropower dams, lack robustness and capability to rapidly acquire data in extreme conditions, limiting their effectiveness in understanding fish interactions and turbine performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of sensor assemblies with a circular housing and parallel circuit board support surfaces, equipped with sensors for acceleration, rotation, magnetic field intensity, pressure, and temperature, powered by a low-power microcontroller and rechargeable battery, designed to be nearly neutrally buoyant and capable of high-speed data sampling, allowing for deployment in severe hydraulic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior sensor devices are used to measure hydraulic conditions, then basic measurement capability is provided, but robustness and rapid data acquisition capability are insufficient in extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure sensor, temperature sensor) into a single integrated sensor assembly, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple hydraulic parameters. This merging enables the device to withstand extreme conditions while acquiring comprehensive data rapidly, resolving the contradiction between robustness and data acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed with multi-functional capabilities to operate in diverse hydraulic environments including high-head dams with Francis turbines and pump storage facilities. The device can function as both a robust measurement platform and a rapid data acquisition system, eliminating the trade-off between reliability and productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior sensor devices are used, then deployment is possible, but cost and functional limitations restrict widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular components including a circuit board with processing circuitry, a rechargeable battery, and various sensor modules. This segmentation allows for cost-effective manufacturing and assembly while maintaining adaptability for different deployment scenarios. The modular design enables easy replacement and configuration for various water systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly incorporates a rechargeable battery that can be recharged at docking stations, changing the operational parameters from single-use to reusable. This parameter change reduces long-term costs and enhances deployability across multiple sites and extended monitoring periods.
3Measurement precision
If detailed hydraulic condition measurement is implemented, then understanding of fish interaction improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors and digital processing. Electronic accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers provide precise hydraulic condition measurements without the mechanical complexity of traditional measurement devices, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
4Productivity
If high-speed data sampling is implemented to capture rapid changes, then true account of fish experience is obtained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly employs periodic sampling of hydraulic conditions rather than continuous monitoring. The microcontroller samples data at high rates during critical events (such as turbine passage) while reducing sampling during stable periods. This periodic action maintains measurement accuracy for rapid changes while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for emulating interaction of entities within water systems are provided. The methods can include introducing a sensor assembly into a water system. The sensor assembly can include: a circuit board supporting processing circuitry components on either or both of opposing component support surfaces of the circuit board; a housing about the circuit board and the components, the housing being circular about the circuit board in at least one cross section; and wherein the support surfaces of the circuit board are substantially parallel with the plane of the housing in the one cross section.