Gas Distribution Network Calorific Value Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas distribution networks face challenges in accurately measuring the calorific value of gas flows due to high costs of complex measurement devices, which limits their use to central locations, and cannot effectively manage fluctuations in gas conditions caused by decentralized gas feed-in systems.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective measuring device equipped with a condensing sensor, such as a pellistor, and a control device that determines the calorific value of gas flows in a decentralized manner, allowing for installation at various points in the gas distribution network, including near decentralized gas feed-in systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex measuring devices (gas chromatographs, combustion calorimeters, absorption spectrometers) are used to determine calorific value, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex measuring devices (gas chromatographs, combustion calorimeters, absorption spectrometers costing EUR 30,000-100,000+) with inexpensive pellistor sensors that can be used disposable-like or for extended periods without significant degradation, reducing both acquisition and maintenance costs while maintaining adequate measurement precision for gas quality monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical and chemical measurement systems with electronic sensor-based detection. Instead of using gas chromatographs with moving parts and complex separation mechanisms, or combustion calorimeters with catalytic burners, the invention employs pellistor sensors that use electrical resistance changes to detect gas composition and calculate calorific value, thereby simplifying the measuring device
2Device complexity
If measuring devices are installed only at central feed-in points, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision of decentralized gas quality fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas monitoring system into multiple independent measurement points distributed throughout the gas distribution network. Instead of a single centralized measuring device at the feed-in point, multiple pellistor-based measuring devices are installed at various locations including decentralized gas injection points, enabling localized measurement of gas quality fluctuations and providing more comprehensive monitoring coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the simplified pellistor-based measuring device and distributes them throughout the gas network. Each measuring device is an independent copy that performs the same function of detecting gas composition and calculating calorific value, enabling parallel monitoring at multiple locations without the need for expensive centralized equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized gas feed-in systems are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision of gas quality deteriorates due to increased fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring gas composition and calorific value at multiple points in the distribution network using pellistor sensors. The measured data is fed back to control systems that can adjust decentralized gas injection rates and compositions in real-time, compensating for quality fluctuations and maintaining consistent gas quality throughout the network despite increased decentralization
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 enables precise and cost-effective measurement of gas calorific values at decentralized locations, improving the accuracy of gas quality monitoring and billing, while allowing for the management of gas condition fluctuations and the integration of climate-friendly gases into natural gas distribution systems.
Implementation Method 1
gas sensors that convert the thermal and/or chemical information of the gas to be measured into an electrically usable signal
Implementation Method 2
With a combustion calorimeter, a sample quantity of gas is burned, if necessary catalytically, and the energy released is measured
Implementation Method 3
With a combustion calorimeter, a sample quantity of gas is burned, if necessary catalytically, and the energy released is measured, from which the calorific value can then be determined
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device (22, 62, 108, 110, 124) for determining the calorific value of a gas flow (31, 67) in a gas line (30, 66, 96), in particular a gas distribution network (92, 122), comprising a calorific value sensor (34, 68) which is designed to measure a value for the specific gas calorific value or for the Wobbe index of a gas in a gas line (30, 66, 96), and comprising a control device (32, 64) which is designed to determine a value for the calorific value of the gas glow (31, 67) from the measured value for the specific gas calorific value or the Wobbe index and optionally other obtained measurement values relating to the gas flow (31, 67). The invention also relates to a gas distribution network (92, 122) comprising a measuring device (22, 62, 108, 110, 124) of this type.