Magnetic-Inductive Flow Meter Polarity Reversal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magneto-inductive flow meters face high power demands during polarity reversal, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a dual voltage source system with a capacitor unit to manage the magnetic field polarity reversal, where a first voltage source maintains a constant voltage during measurement phases and a second voltage source applies a variable overvoltage during polarity reversal, with the capacitor storing energy to reduce the power requirement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If an overvoltage is applied to accelerate polarity reversal, then the pole reversal time is reduced, but the power demand on the voltage supply increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole reversal timeVSAvoidpower demand
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage supply is segmented into two separate sources: a first voltage source that provides constant operating voltage during measurement phases, and a second voltage source with a capacitor unit that provides overvoltage during polarity reversal phases. This segmentation allows each voltage source to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall power demand on any single supply while achieving fast polarity reversal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor unit is charged in advance during the measurement phase when the magnetic field is stable. This preliminary energy storage enables the capacitor to deliver the required overvoltage during the subsequent polarity reversal phase without requiring a high-power continuous supply, thus reducing peak power demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If a single voltage source is used to provide overvoltage during polarity reversal, then the polarity reversal can be accelerated, but the voltage supply becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarity reversal speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system alternates between measurement phases and polarity reversal phases in a periodic manner. During measurement phases, the first voltage source maintains efficient constant voltage operation. During polarity reversal phases, the second voltage source with capacitor provides the necessary overvoltage to accelerate reversal. This periodic switching optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining fast reversal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor unit is charged during measurement phases when energy is not critically needed for flow measurement, and then discharged during polarity reversal phases when energy is needed to accelerate reversal. This recovery and reuse of energy reduces overall energy consumption compared to using a single high-power voltage source continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

This approach reduces the power demand on the voltage supply, minimizing energy consumption and optimizing the polarity reversal process, allowing for more efficient flow measurement.

Implementation Method 1

The principle of magneto-inductive flow measurement is based on the induction of a flow-dependent electrical voltage in a conductive medium flowing through a pipeline by a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the second voltage source having a capacitor unit which serves as an energy store

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3465101B1Method for operating a magnetic-inductive flow metering device for measuring the rate of flow or the volume flow of a medium in a measuring tube
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • EP3465101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3465101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a magnetic-inductive flow measuring device and a magnetic-inductive flow measuring device, wherein at least one magnet system (M) comprising at least one coil (21) generates a magnetic field extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tube (10) and periodically changing the polarity in order to induce a flow-dependent voltage (31) in the medium, wherein, in a measuring phase for recording at least one voltage value for determining the flow rate or the volume flow, a substantially constant magnetic field (31) is generated, the polarity of which is reversed in a pole reversal phase, wherein the energy supply is provided entirely by a capacitor during the pole reversal phase.