Distributed Fluid Metering for Equipment-Level Consumption Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems lack accurate measurement and management of fluid consumption at individual equipment levels, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and data collection, with a need for reduced sensor size, number, and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A recording device connected to various sensors at distribution points collects and transmits data to a remote storage center, capable of measuring parameters like flow rate, temperature, and pressure, with a management system that computes and analyzes this data to optimize fluid distribution and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional metering devices are used to measure fluid consumption, then global values of fluid consumption can be obtained, but accurate understanding of consumption at individual equipment level cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid distribution network into multiple segments, each monitored by a dedicated recording device that tracks consumption at specific equipment locations. This segmentation enables precise measurement of fluid consumption at individual equipment level while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can measure multiple fluid parameters (flow rate, temperature, pressure) and interface with various equipment types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized devices for each measurement task, thereby controlling system complexity while achieving comprehensive accurate measurement.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are deployed to monitor various fluid parameters at each equipment, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but the number of sensors and system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions (flow measurement, temperature sensing, pressure detection) are merged into a single integrated recording device. This consolidation maintains comprehensive data collection capabilities while reducing the total number of discrete sensor components and simplifying system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording device is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple measurement functions simultaneously. This multi-functional design ensures complete data collection across all fluid parameters without requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter, thereby controlling system size.
3Productivity
If data is collected and transmitted continuously from multiple recording devices, then real-time consumption analysis is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous data transmission, the system employs periodic transmission where recording devices send data at scheduled intervals. This periodic action maintains real-time analysis capability through regular data updates while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements intelligent feedback mechanisms that adjust data transmission frequency based on detected conditions. During normal operation, data is transmitted at lower frequency to conserve energy, while during anomaly detection or high-activity periods, transmission frequency increases to maintain analysis productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a management system (100) adapted for managing a distributed fluid or the corresponding distribution installation. The management system comprises at least one sensor (C1, C2, Cn), at least one recording device (1) connected to said at least one sensors (C1, C2, Cn), 5 a storage centre (2), and a computing means (4). The recording device (1) comprises a communication means (14) adapted to transmit at least some data collected from the sensors to the storage centre (2). The computing means (4) are adapted to compute data stored in said storage centre (2) so as to generate reports. The present invention also relates to a recording 10 device (1) used in the system. It further relate to a method of fluid distribution management.