Flow Controller Adjustment Using Historical Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow systems, such as smart watering systems and utility monitoring, rely on estimated flow rates rather than real-time tracking, leading to inaccurate scheduling and difficulty in identifying inefficiencies like leaks or malfunctions, and lack the ability to account for variations in flow characteristics across different devices and locations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes flow sensors to collect and analyze historical data on flow characteristics, allowing for real-time adjustments to device operations by comparing current flow conditions with historical data, enabling more accurate monitoring and optimization of fluid flow systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If flow rate is estimated based on device type and zone area, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical flow meters with acoustic emission sensors that detect leaks through sound waves. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurement devices while achieving accurate leak detection, thereby reducing system complexity without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic emission sensors as intermediaries between the fluid system and the control system. These sensors indirectly detect flow anomalies (leaks) by listening to acoustic signals, providing accurate measurement information without requiring direct physical measurement devices in the flow path.
2Device complexity
If all flow devices are grouped together for collective monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system by placing acoustic emission sensors at individual device locations rather than using a single collective monitoring point. This segmentation enables precise identification of which specific device is leaking while still using a standardized monitoring approach across multiple devices, thus maintaining low system complexity with high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If real-time flow tracking is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow tracking infrastructure with acoustic emission sensing technology. The acoustic sensors continuously monitor for leaks in real-time by detecting characteristic sound frequencies, providing accurate flow anomaly detection without the complexity of traditional flow meters and tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic emission sensors are designed to autonomously detect and identify leaks without requiring external intervention or complex processing. The sensors self-monitor the acoustic environment and automatically trigger alerts when leak patterns are detected, reducing the need for complex centralized monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for optimizing downstream processes for a flow controller controlling various devices in a flow system is disclosed. The method includes receiving by a processing element historical data corresponding to flow characteristics for one or more flow devices controlled by the flow controller; evaluating by the processing element one or more current run settings based on the historical data; modifying by the processing element the one or more current run settings based on the historical data; and transmitting by the processing element the modified run settings to the flow controller to vary the operation of the one or more flow devices.