Dry Block Calibrator Power Compensation for Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature calibrators, particularly dry block calibrators, face instability issues due to fluctuations in mains voltage and surrounding air, which affect the accuracy and speed of calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an energy metering integrated circuit to measure and compensate for input power fluctuations in heating elements, combined with design modifications to reduce air sensitivity, such as using a back draft damper and repositioning the fan, to maintain stable temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements are powered by mains voltage, then the heating function is provided, but temperature stability deteriorates due to voltage fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual power delivered to heating elements and compares it with the target power level. When deviations are detected due to mains voltage fluctuations, the controller automatically adjusts the power delivery to maintain the desired heating rate and final temperature stability. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for external voltage variations in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current, power) to heating elements based on monitored conditions. By changing these parameters in response to mains voltage fluctuations, the system maintains stable temperature despite varying input conditions. The energy metering integrated circuit enables precise measurement and control of these electrical parameters.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fan is used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but temperature stability deteriorates due to air inlet/outlet causing air currents
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors temperature and power consumption to detect the influence of air currents caused by fan operation. When temperature deviations attributable to air flow are detected, the controller compensates by adjusting heating power or fan speed to maintain temperature stability. This feedback loop balances cooling effectiveness with thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary measures to counteract the destabilizing effect of air currents before they significantly impact temperature stability. By monitoring fan operation and anticipating air flow effects, the controller pre-adjusts heating power or modifies fan speed to prevent temperature fluctuations, rather than merely reacting to them after they occur.
3Stability of the object's composition
If energy metering integrated circuit and real-time compensation algorithm are implemented, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own power consumption measurements to automatically compensate for stability issues. The energy metering integrated circuit monitors the actual power delivered, and the controller uses this information to self-correct temperature deviations without requiring external intervention or complex external measurement systems. The system serves itself by using its operational data to maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical stabilization mechanisms with electronic measurement and control. Instead of using elaborate mechanical insulation, air flow control hardware, or manual adjustment mechanisms, the invention uses electronic power monitoring and software-based compensation algorithms to achieve temperature stability, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity.
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
Significantly reduces temperature instability caused by voltage fluctuations and air sensitivity, ensuring more accurate and rapid calibration by maintaining temperature stability within narrow limits, even under varying voltage conditions and airflow scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heaters are typically used to heat the calibrator block
Implementation Method 2
a fan is used cool down the calibrator block
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods for detecting and improving temperature stability in measurements performed by a dry block, i.e. a temperature calibrator. The dry block comprises a heating and cooling device. An energy metering integrated circuit measures an applied input power to the heating elements of the heating and cooling device. Additionally, a real-time compensation algorithm uses measurement results obtained by the energy metering integrated circuit, and outputs a control signal to the heating elements. The arrangement may comprise a back draft damper adjacent to a fan. The fan position may be selected. Stability criteria may be set. Leaning of the dry block can be tracked. Different sensors are used for the temperature control and for the temperature stability indication.