Fluid Meter Power Supply Using Thermoelectric Pipe Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid meters in remote locations face challenges with bulky and costly rechargeable batteries due to intermittent fluid circulation, leading to reduced battery performance and short service life, as well as the need for large primary cells for long-term energy supply.

Innovation Solution

A fluid meter with a power supply block featuring a thermoelectric generator that harnesses temperature differences between the pipe exterior and fluid to produce electricity, combined with a primary cell and supercapacitor system, where a control block manages energy distribution between the two supply paths to optimize energy use and extend service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a large primary cell is used to provide long-term energy supply (20 years), then the service life is extended, but the size and cost of the power supply increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidpower supply bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply is segmented into multiple primary cells (first primary cell, second primary cell) that can be independently replaced. This allows the system to maintain long-term operation without requiring a single large primary cell, as cells can be replaced individually over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates in periodic cycles by switching between different primary cells. The control block manages the alternating use of first and second primary cells, allowing one cell to rest while the other is in use, thereby extending the overall service life of the power supply system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If a rechargeable battery is used with an electric generator driven by fluid circulation, then the power supply becomes autonomous, but the intermittent fluid circulation reduces battery performance and requires larger storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous power supplyVSAvoidbattery service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the fluid circulation itself to generate electrical energy through a thermoelectric generator, creating a self-sustaining power supply. The thermoelectric generator converts the temperature difference between the circulating fluid and the environment into electrical energy, recharging the primary cells without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The intermittent nature of fluid circulation, which previously caused incomplete charge-discharge cycles and reduced battery performance, is converted into a benefit by using the thermoelectric generator. The generator produces electricity proportional to the temperature difference, which occurs naturally during fluid circulation, turning the intermittent operation into an adaptive charging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a thermoelectric generator is added to harness temperature differences, then energy supply reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply continuityVSAvoidpower supply block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric generator is integrated with the existing power supply block, merging the temperature-to-electricity conversion function with the primary cell system. The control block统一管理 both the primary cells and the thermoelectric generator, coordinating their operation to provide continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply block is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in different modes: using primary cells alone, using the thermoelectric generator for recharging, or combining both. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain reliability across various scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides a reliable, long-lasting, and less bulky energy supply for fluid meters, enabling continuous metrological measurements and communication, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and minimizing bulk and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric generator configured to produce electricity from a temperature difference between an exterior of the pipe and the fluid in the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12261551B2AC supply fluid meter

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS

AI summary

This fluid meter configured to perform metrological measurements in a fluid circulation pipe and to communicate information relating to said metrological data, includes:a pipe,a metrological sensor,a control block,a power supply block configured to power the control block, the power supply block including a first supply path including at least one primary cell, and a second supply path, and further including a first switch configured to selectively couple the first supply path or the second supply path to the control block, the fluid meter including a thermoelectric generator configured to produce electricity from a temperature difference between an exterior of the pipe and the fluid in the pipe, the second supply path being connected to the thermoelectric generator.