Inductive Wind Sensor Heating for Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind sensors face challenges in preventing measurement falsification due to snow and ice accumulation at extreme temperatures, as previous solutions like electrical heating coils and induction heating are not reliable in preventing icing of outer shells.
Innovation Solution
A wind sensor design featuring a wind wheel with ohmic heating elements embedded between interconnected halves of the wind detection element, utilizing inductive energy transfer between a primary coil in the housing and a secondary coil in the rotating wind wheel, ensuring effective heat distribution and prevention of icing, along with temperature sensors for controlled heating to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical heating coils or induction heating are used to prevent icing, then heating capability is improved, but reliability of preventing icing at extreme temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical contact heating systems with an inductive heating system using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil in the housing generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the secondary coil attached to the wind detection element, which then generates heat through electrical resistance. This non-contact energy transmission eliminates wear from sliding contacts and provides more reliable heating at extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is strategically positioned in the outer shell region of the wind detection element, which is the area most susceptible to ice accumulation. By placing the heating element locally where it is most needed rather than using a centralized heating system, the patent ensures effective prevention of icing at critical locations.
2Reliability
If heating elements are installed in the cups/wind detection element, then prevention of snow and ice buildup is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary coil as an intermediary component between the primary coil in the housing and the heating element in the wind detection element. This secondary coil serves as a rotating energy transmission medium that couples the stationary primary coil to the rotating heating element, enabling wireless energy transfer while maintaining system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both an energy transmission medium for inductive heating and as a structural component of the wind detection element. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining heating effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If inductive energy transmission is used, then wear is reduced, but energy transmission efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling system where the secondary coil rotates with the wind detection element while maintaining magnetic coupling with the stationary primary coil. This dynamic arrangement allows continuous energy transmission during rotation without physical contact, eliminating wear while maintaining efficient energy transfer through optimized electromagnetic coupling.
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 reliably prevents snow and ice buildup on the wind sensor, ensuring accurate measurements by effectively distributing heat to the outer periphery and optimizing energy consumption based on temperature needs, while minimizing wear and maintaining measurement integrity.
Implementation Method 1
means for energy transmission between the housing and the ohmic heating element rotating with the wind detection element being provided, which have a primary coil arranged in the housing and a secondary coil disposed in the wind sensing element
Implementation Method 2
CN 101900742 A proposes an anemometer with induction heating, in which the heat is generated by eddy currents in the area around the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
at least one ohmic heating element being installed in the wind detection element
Data Source
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AI summary
The wind sensor according to the invention comprises a housing and a wind detection element rotatably mounted on the housing, wherein at least one resistive heating element is installed in the wind detection element and means for energy transmission between the housing and the resistive heating element rotating with the wind detection element are provided, comprising a primary coil arranged in the housing and a secondary coil arranged in the wind detection element, the secondary coil being connected to the resistive heating element. The wind sensor according to the invention comprises a housing and a wind detection element designed as a wind turbine, rotatably mounted on the housing.The wind turbine comprises a shell system with multiple shells, wherein at least one resistive heating element is integrated into the wind turbine and means for energy transfer between the housing and the resistive heating element rotating with the wind turbine are provided. These means include a primary coil arranged in the housing and a secondary coil arranged in the wind turbine, the secondary coil being connected to the resistive heating element. The multiple shells of the wind turbine are each supported by flat webs, the webs extending into the shells and dividing the shells into two sections. The at least one heating element is embedded in the webs and extends into the section of the shells.