Fluid Disruption Power Scavenging for Industrial Process Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process field devices require significant power for sensing and transmitting process parameters, which is often not efficiently generated or scavenged within the industrial process environment, leading to reliance on external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A process device equipped with a fluid disruption generation element, a process variable sensor, and a power generation element that transforms kinetic energy from fluid disruptions into electrical energy, which is stored for powering the device's circuitry and communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field devices use external power sources, then reliable operation is achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The field device generates its own operating power through a power generation element that converts kinetic energy from process fluid flow into electrical energy. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for external power sources, reducing installation complexity while maintaining operational reliability through autonomous energy generation
2Use of energy by moving object
If power generation elements are added to field devices, then energy self-sufficiency is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation element serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power from process fluid kinetic energy, and in some embodiments, also contributes to flow measurement. This multi-functionality approach adds energy self-sufficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining power generation with existing measurement capabilities
3Power
If kinetic energy from fluid flow is converted to electrical energy, then power needs are met, but energy conversion efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation element is designed to optimize energy conversion by adjusting parameters such as the magnetic field strength, coil configuration, and mechanical coupling to the flow stream. These parameter optimizations maximize electrical power output from available kinetic energy while minimizing conversion losses, ensuring efficient energy utilization
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
Enables self-sustaining operation of field devices by harnessing energy from industrial processes, reducing the need for external power sources and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of process monitoring and control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer coupled to the process fluid and adapted to generate an electrical output from the process fluid flowing within the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a power storage component coupled to the transducer and adapted to store a charge based on the electrical output
Data Source
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AI summary
A process device (202) includes a fluid disruption generation element (210) to generate a fluid disruption within process fluid flowing through a pipe associated with an industrial process and a process variable sensor coupled to the disruption generation element (210) to measure a process parameter. The process device (202) further includes a power generation element (212) adapted to generate an electrical output signal in response to the fluid disruption and a power storage component (226) coupled to the power generation element (212). The power storage component (226) is adapted to accumulate a charge based on the electrical output signal.