Lidar Methane Flow Measurement in Complex Wind Fields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas leak detection and quantification methods fail to accurately account for varying wind speeds, leading to inaccurate measurements of gas flow rates due to assumptions of fixed constant wind speeds.
Innovation Solution
Utilize lidar distance information and prevailing wind data to determine local wind data, incorporating computational fluid dynamics models to improve the accuracy of gas flow rate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed constant wind speed is assumed for gas flow measurement, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate flow rate determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static, fixed wind speed assumption to a dynamic approach where wind speed varies spatially across the measurement area. The system divides the field of view into multiple zones and assigns different wind speed values to each zone based on local conditions, allowing the measurement system to adapt to changing wind conditions without increasing operational complexity significantly.
2Measurement precision
If lidar distance information and computational fluid dynamics models are used to determine local wind data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement field into multiple discrete zones or regions, each with its own wind speed characteristics. This segmentation allows the complex problem of variable wind speed measurement to be broken down into manageable segments that can be processed independently, reducing the overall computational burden while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational fluid dynamics models as an intermediary between the lidar distance information and the final flow rate calculation. This intermediary layer processes the raw distance data and prevailing wind data to generate local wind speed values, effectively mediating the complexity by providing a structured computational framework that bridges measurement and analysis.
3Measurement precision
If local wind data is determined using prevailing wind data and lidar distance information, then flow rate measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between lidar distance information and local wind speed characteristics. The system prepares measurement zones and wind speed profiles in advance, so that when actual measurements are taken, the processing requires only combining prevailing wind data with pre-characterized zone information, significantly reducing real-time processing time.
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
Enhances the accuracy of gas flow rate measurements by accounting for local wind conditions, providing more precise quantification of gas leaks.
Implementation Method 1
using a lidar sensor to detect the gas and to obtain distance information
Implementation Method 2
The gas concentration pathlength is a standard term in spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for detecting and measuring gas flow are disclosed in which lidar distance information, acquired during the detection of gas using a lidar sensor, is used together with local wind data to determine a rate of flow for the detected gas. The local wind data, which may comprise one or more vectors or a 3D wind model, may be determined based on prevailing wind data and the lidar distance information, and can use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to determine the wind velocity through 3D structures identified using the lidar sensor. The detection of gas flow using the disclosed technology may be particularly useful for the remote detection and quantification of leaks from natural gas (methane) wells and pipelines to locate, quantify and map fugitive emissions.