Fluid Flow Measurement via Pressure Differential in Distribution Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems face challenges in accurately measuring fluid flow without using expensive flow meters adjacent to each fluid tap unit, particularly in energy-saving water distribution systems where efficient measurement is crucial for cost management and energy conservation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a pressure sensor in the feed line adjacent to the fluid source and fluid pressure sensors along the feeding conduits to measure pressure drops, allowing for calculation of fluid flow by comparing pressures at different points, thereby eliminating the need for flow meters at each tap unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed adjacent to each fluid tap unit to measure fluid flow accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow measurement function from individual tap units and relocates it to the central control unit. Flow meters are removed from distributed locations and their measurement function is achieved centrally through pressure differential calculation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary devices that measure pressure at different points in the feeding conduit. These pressure measurements serve as mediators to calculate fluid flow indirectly, avoiding the need for direct flow measurement at each tap unit while achieving accurate flow determination
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed at each fluid tap unit to measure fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure sensors as cheaper copies or substitutes for expensive flow meters. By measuring pressure differential and calculating flow indirectly, the system achieves flow measurement functionality using less expensive components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensors serve multiple functions: they measure pressure for flow calculation, monitor system pressure conditions, and provide data for energy management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated flow measurement devices at each tap unit, lowering system cost
3Device complexity
If pressure sensors are used to calculate fluid flow instead of flow meters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical flow measurement (flow meters) with a calculation-based approach using pressure sensors. By substituting mechanical flow sensing with pressure differential measurement and mathematical calculation, the system reduces device complexity while achieving accurate flow determination through the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate
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 enables accurate and cost-effective fluid flow measurement, optimizing energy usage and reducing operational costs by integrating pressure sensors within the fluid distribution system to calculate flow rates without the need for flow meters at each tap unit.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor (PS) in said feed line (FL) adjacent to said fluid source (LS) and a fluid pressure sensor (PS1, PS2, etc.) along said feeding conduit (FC1, FC2, etc.) to measure pressure drops
Implementation Method 2
by generating a backward pressure gradient in said associated feeding conduit, by means of an evacuation pump, so that the water flows backwards towards the water source
Implementation Method 3
refilling, upon activating the water tap unit, the associated feeding conduit with water by generating a forward pressure gradient, normally by opening a control valve to the water source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for measuring of fluid flow in a fluid distribution system, including a centrally located fluid source (LS) which is connected via separate feeding conduits (FC1, FC2, etc.) to a number of fluid tap units (LT1, LT2, etc.), each including at least one fluid tap. The method comprises the steps of providing, for each said separate feeding conduit (FC1, FC2, etc.), a first fluid pressure sensor (PS1, PS2, etc.) located anywhere along said separate feeding conduit or in the associated fluid tap unit (LT1, LT2, etc), and a second fluid pressure sensor (PS'), serving as a reference pressure sensor common to all of said feeding conduits and being located adjacent to said centrally located fluid source (LS). Each of the first and second fluid pressure sensors (PS1, PS2, etc and PS') are connected to a control unit (CU) adapted to determine the fluid pressures at the first and second fluid pressure sensors, including the difference between these two fluid pressures, and, on the basis of said determination of said fluid pressures and said pressure difference, calculate the flow of fluid through each separate feeding conduit (FC1, FC2, etc.), at least as long as there is a fluid flow at said inlet (IN1, IN2, etc) to any fluid tap unit (LT1, LT2, etc.). By carrying out such measurements over a period of time, it is possible to calculate and record the amount of fluid consumed during such a period of time and/or the thermal energy consumed in each fluid tap unit (LT1, LT2, etc.). The fluid tap unit may e.g. be a separate apartment in a building.