Networked MEMS Gas Sensors for Leak Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas sensing devices for natural gas and similar gases are either high in power consumption or costly, making widespread application, such as in residential and industrial settings, economically and practically challenging, especially for battery-powered utility meters.
Innovation Solution
A networked system of low-power, low-cost gas sensing devices that include micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, integrated with data collection and processing units, capable of rapid gas leak detection and location determination using gas concentration maps and triangulation methods, allowing for swift identification and minimization of gas leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-performance gas detection sensors are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple low-cost MEMS gas sensors into a networked array system that collectively achieves high detection accuracy. Instead of relying on a single high-performance sensor, the system merges data from multiple simpler sensors to achieve comparable or superior detection capability while maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of low-cost MEMS sensor elements arranged in a network, replacing the need for expensive high-performance sensors. Each sensor copy contributes to the overall detection accuracy through networked data processing and triangulation algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If high-performance gas detection sensors are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas detection function across multiple low-cost sensor nodes distributed throughout the environment. Each node performs basic detection, and the network collectively achieves high accuracy through data fusion and triangulation, making the system affordable for widespread deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive high-performance sensors with multiple copies of inexpensive MEMS sensors. The networked arrangement and intelligent data processing enable the cheap copies to collectively achieve the detection accuracy that would otherwise require expensive individual sensors.
3Measurement precision
If gas concentration maps and triangulation methods are used, then leak location precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes autonomously perform local gas concentration measurements and independently transmit data to a central processing system. The triangulation and map generation are performed automatically by the network system without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated algorithms involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from multiple sensor nodes, dynamically updates gas concentration maps, and automatically adjusts triangulation calculations in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables accurate leak location determination while the automated processing reduces the perceived complexity for users.
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
Enables quick and accurate detection and location of gas leaks, reducing the risk of explosions and property damage while being cost-effective and energy-efficient, suitable for widespread deployment in communication networks and utility metering systems.
Implementation Method 1
A networked system of low-power, low-cost gas sensing devices that include micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of gas detection includes receiving, by a data collection device, reports of detected concentrations of a particular gas from one or more gas sensing devices having one or more associated gas sensors, receiving an alarm from a gas sensing device indicating a detected concentration greater than a predetermined threshold, and receiving concentration updates from the alarming device at a rate faster than that provided by its predetermined reporting schedule. The method may further include sending a command to one or more gas sensing devices nearby the alarming device to send concentration updates. The method may further include determining a location of a gas leak by triangulating the received updates from the alarming device and the nearby devices based on their locations and/or creating and displaying a gas concentration map based on the received updates from the alarming device and the nearby devices and their locations.