Fuel Densimeter Using Differential Pressure for Mass Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines lack reliable methods for monitoring fuel density within the system, leading to variations in fuel mass flow due to temperature and pressure changes, fuel type differences, and batch-to-batch variations, which affect engine performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A densimeter system that determines fluid density using differential pressure and volumetric flow rate, incorporating a pressure transducer, control valve, and controller to regulate mass flow, accounting for viscosity and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional metering valves are used to regulate fuel mass flow, then the system structure remains simple, but fuel mass flow accuracy deteriorates due to temperature and pressure variations affecting fuel density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical metering valve regulation with a density-compensated control system that uses differential pressure measurement and electronic calculation to determine mass flow rate, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments while improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a differential pressure transducer as an intermediary device that measures pressure differential across an orifice, which then feeds into a control algorithm to calculate mass flow rate, providing accurate measurement without direct mechanical intervention in the fuel line
2Measurement precision
If additional monitoring of fuel density is implemented, then mass flow regulation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the differential pressure transducer serve multiple functions: it measures pressure for mass flow calculation, provides data for density determination, and enables compensation for temperature and pressure variations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated density sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines density measurement functionality with the existing differential pressure measurement system by using the same transducer data in conjunction with temperature and pressure readings to calculate density, merging multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system
3Reliability
If fuel properties variations are accounted for, then mass flow rate accuracy improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to property changes requiring complex compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for fuel property variations by dynamically adjusting the mass flow calculation based on measured changes in density, temperature, and pressure parameters, allowing the system to adapt to different fuel types and conditions through mathematical compensation rather than mechanical adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where measured density, temperature, and pressure values are continuously fed into the control algorithm to adjust mass flow rate calculations in real-time, ensuring accuracy despite variations in fuel properties
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
Provides accurate and robust fuel density measurement, reducing errors and improving mass flow regulation in gas turbine engines, despite pressure and composition changes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure transducer to determine a differential pressure of fluid flowing through an orifice
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic cylinder with a piston, the orifice positioned along a line fluidically connecting a second port of the hydraulic cylinder to the system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method of determining density of a fluid within a system includes actuating a piston of a hydraulic cylinder at a target velocity. Additionally, the method includes determining differential pressure and volumetric flow rate of the fluid flowing through an orifice under actuation of the piston. The density of the fluid is determined based on the first differential pressure and the volumetric flow rate of the fluid, which is used by the system to regulate a mass flow rate of fluid within the system.