Flow Meter Automatic Self-Configuration for Installation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters and heat meters often suffer from incorrect installation regarding flow direction and location, leading to complex and costly rectifications, unnecessary stock maintenance, and erroneous data recording.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter with an automatic configuration unit that adapts the meter flow direction and temperature sensor assignment based on initial measurement data, ensuring correct installation without requiring dismantling or separate devices for forward and return flows, and providing a calibration seal for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed with fixed meter flow direction markings, then installers can identify correct installation direction, but incorrect installation is often not immediately apparent and requires complex dismantling and rectification
Solution Approach 1:
The control and evaluation unit automatically detects the actual flow direction from measurement data and self-configures the meter flow direction marking to match, eliminating the need for manual intervention or dismantling when installation direction is incorrect
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic configuration during initial operation to detect and adapt to the correct flow direction before any measurement errors occur, preventing the need for later rectification
2Reliability
If separate energy meters are kept in stock for flow and return installations, then correct installation can be ensured, but stock requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single flow meter design with automatic self-configuration capability can be installed in both flow and return lines, eliminating the need to maintain separate stock for different installation scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The meter dynamically adapts its parameters (flow direction marking, temperature sensor assignment) based on the actual installation conditions detected during operation, allowing one device to serve multiple installation configurations
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are assigned to specific flow or return positions, then accurate temperature difference measurement is achieved, but incorrect assignment leads to erroneous data recording
Solution Approach 1:
The control and evaluation unit automatically determines the correct assignment of temperature sensors to flow or return based on measured temperature differences and self-configures accordingly, eliminating manual assignment errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature difference measurements to verify and adjust the assignment of temperature sensors, ensuring accurate data recording through continuous validation
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
Ensures accurate and cost-effective installation, reduces stock requirements, eliminates the need for reassembly, and prevents data manipulation by locking the configuration after initial setup, thus ensuring reliable and calibrated operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second ultrasonic transducer (11A and 11B) which, together with a first reflector (19A) and a second reflector (19B), form a U-shaped measuring section (14)
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor (8A) and a second temperature sensor (8B) for determining a temperature difference between a flow temperature in the flow (9) and a return temperature in the return (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Flow meter (1) for recording the flow rate and/or heat quantity of a flowing fluid (2) for installation in a supply line (5) containing the fluid (2) with a measuring arrangement (3) through which the fluid (2) flows with a flow direction (4A) in which the flow meter (1) is permanently operated, a control and evaluation unit (6) which controls the measuring arrangement (3) and determines flow rate data, wherein the installation-dependent flow direction is automatically determined by the control and evaluation unit (6) as the installation flow direction (4B) based on the flow rate data, and/or a temperature measuring device (7) which includes a first temperature sensor (8A) and a second temperature sensor (8B),wherein the first temperature sensor (8A) and the second temperature sensor (8B) are provided for determining a temperature difference between a supply temperature in the supply line (9) and a return temperature in the return line (10), the installation location of the first temperature sensor (8A) and the second temperature sensor (8B) in the supply and return lines is automatically determined by the control and evaluation unit (6) on the basis of the temperature difference, wherein the control and evaluation unit (6) automatically configures itself during an initial or re-installation of the flow meter (1) such that in the continuous operation (a) following the initial installation the meter flow direction (4A) is adapted to the installation flow direction (4B),so that the flow direction in the meter (4A) and the flow direction in the installation (4B) coincide and/or (b) depending on the measured temperature difference, the first temperature sensor (8A) and the second temperature sensor (8B) are assigned to the supply (9) and return (10) respectively.