Fluid Meter Power Supply Switching for Long-Life Primary Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid meters require a reliable and long-lasting electrical supply, often relying on large and costly primary cells or rechargeable batteries, which can be bulky and have reduced performance due to intermittent fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid meter with a power supply block that includes a primary cell and a capacitor charged by an electric generator driven by fluid circulation, allowing for alternating use between the primary cell and the capacitor to ensure continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a large primary cell is used to ensure long-term electrical supply (20 years), then the service life is extended, but the size and cost of the primary cell increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical supply system is segmented into two parts: a small primary cell for long-term baseline supply and a capacitor for short-term energy buffering during fluid circulation events. This segmentation allows the primary cell to be much smaller than it would need to be alone, while the capacitor handles the intermittent high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
A capacitor is introduced as an intermediary energy storage device between the primary cell and the meter's power consumption. The capacitor charges during fluid circulation when the generator produces electricity and discharges during shutdown periods, mediating the energy transfer and allowing the primary cell to operate at a lower, more efficient capacity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable battery is used instead of a primary cell, then the service life is extended through recharging, but the battery becomes bulky and expensive due to the need for significant electrical storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a small, inexpensive primary cell (disposable energy source) instead of a large rechargeable battery. The primary cell is supplemented by a capacitor that is periodically recharged by a generator during fluid circulation, effectively creating a hybrid system that avoids the bulk and cost of a large rechargeable battery while achieving similar or better service life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a rechargeable battery is used to handle intermittent fluid circulation, then the energy storage capacity is increased, but the incomplete charge-discharge cycles reduce battery performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor serves as a short-term energy storage device that is periodically recharged by the generator during fluid circulation events. Unlike rechargeable batteries, capacitors can undergo many more charge-discharge cycles without significant performance degradation, making them ideal for handling the intermittent nature of fluid circulation without reducing overall system reliability.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable electrical supply with an extended service life, as the primary cell is only used for recharging the capacitor, reducing the overall energy storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator configured to be driven by the circulation of the fluid in the pipe and to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor and a first switch configured to selectively couple the capacitor and the electric generator
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid meter including an electric generator, a metrological sensor, a control block, a power supply block coupled to the electric generator, and configured to supply energy to the control block, in which the power supply block includes a first supply path includes at least one primary cell, and a second supply path connected to the electric generator, including a capacitor and a first switch configured to selectively couple the capacitor and the electric generator, the power supply block including a second switch configured to selectively couple the first supply path or the second supply path to the control block, the power supply block further including a current sensor determining a current measurement, the first switch and the second switch being monitored according to a state of charge of the capacitor determined from the current measurement.