Fluid Meter Dual-Channel Power Supply for Intermittent Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid meters in remote locations face challenges with bulky and costly batteries due to intermittent fluid circulation, leading to inefficient energy storage and frequent battery replacements, which affect the lifespan and reliability of the power supply.
Innovation Solution
A fluid meter with an electric generator driven by fluid circulation, a capacitor-based power supply system, and a control block that selectively switches between battery and capacitor power channels based on the capacitor's state of charge, allowing for permanent electricity supply with a low-capacity battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery with large energy storage capacity is used to power the fluid meter during turbine shutdown periods, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the battery size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct paths: a first power supply path using a battery for long-term energy storage and a second power supply path using a capacitor for short-term energy delivery during turbine operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall battery capacity needed while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A capacitor is introduced as an intermediary energy storage device between the turbine generator and the load. The capacitor quickly charges during turbine operation and discharges during shutdown periods, acting as a buffer that reduces the burden on the battery and allows for smaller battery capacity while maintaining power supply reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery with large energy storage capacity is used to ensure power supply during intermittent fluid circulation, then the service life is improved, but the cost and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage function is segmented between a capacitor for short-term storage during turbine operation and a battery for long-term storage during shutdown periods. This allows the battery to be much smaller in capacity since it only needs to cover idle periods rather than entire operational cycles, reducing both quantity and cost while extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the periodic operation of the turbine (operating during fluid circulation, idle during shutdown) to charge the capacitor periodically. This periodic charging allows the battery to remain in a stable state for longer periods, extending its service life while reducing the required capacity.
3Reliability
If a rechargeable battery powered by an electric generator is used, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the battery bulk and cost increase due to large storage capacity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two paths: a first path with a battery for baseline power supply and a second path with a capacitor charged by the turbine generator for supplemental power during operation. This segmentation allows the battery to be much smaller in volume since it doesn't need to store energy for entire operational cycles, only for idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy storage parameters by using a capacitor with high power density for short-term storage during turbine operation, rather than relying solely on a battery with high energy density. This parameter change allows for reduced battery volume while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If the battery energy storage capacity is increased to cover frequent or prolonged shutdown periods, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the battery size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two functional paths with different energy storage technologies optimized for different operating conditions. This segmentation provides reliability during both turbine operation and shutdown periods without requiring a single oversized battery, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-path power supply system provides universal coverage for all operating conditions: the capacitor handles high-power demands during turbine operation while the battery provides sustained power during idle periods. This multi-functionality achieves reliability across varying shutdown frequencies and durations without increasing complexity.
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 configuration provides a reliable, long-lasting, and less bulky power supply, reducing battery size and cost while maximizing capacitor usage, ensuring continuous operation of the fluid meter.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical generator configured to be driven by the circulation of the fluid in the fluid pipe and generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
the second power supply path comprising a capacitor and a first switch configured to selectively couple the capacitor and the electrical generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A fluid meter comprising an electric generator (12), a metrological sensor (4), a control unit (6), a power supply unit (10) coupled to the electric generator (12) and configured to supply power to the control unit (6), wherein the power supply unit (10) comprises a first power supply channel (14) comprising at least one battery (16), and a second power supply channel (20) connected to the electric generator (12), comprising a capacitor (C1) and a first switch (S1) configured to selectively couple the capacitor (C1) and the electric generator (12), the power supply unit (10) comprising a second switch (S2) configured to selectively couple the first power supply channel (14) or the second power supply channel (20) to the control unit (6), the power supply unit (10) further comprising a current sensor (26) determining a current measurement,The first and second switches are controlled according to a state of charge of the capacitor determined from the current measurement.