Method for measuring volumetric flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inexpensive volume flow sensors in heating systems are limited by their measuring range for small volume flows, making it impossible to record low volume flows, while expensive sensors with a wide range can detect these flows but are not economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A method where the volume flow is diverted through a measuring section and a heat sink in a defined mixing ratio using a priority switching valve, allowing the existing sensor to measure a higher volume flow, which is then corrected to determine the low volume flow through the heat sink, and the process is repeated until the flow is above the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive volume flow sensors are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement capability for low volume flows is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The volume flow measurement is segmented into two paths: a measuring section with the inexpensive sensor and a bypass section. By dividing the total flow into measurable portions and using the sensor only on the measurable segment, the system achieves low flow detection capability without requiring an expensive full-range sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
A priority switching valve acts as an intermediary to redirect flow between the measuring section and bypass section. This intermediary component enables the inexpensive sensor to indirectly measure low total flows by controlling when and how flow is directed through the measuring section.
2Measurement precision
If the volume flow is increased to be within sensor measuring range, then measurement capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the priority switching valve position based on the measured volume flow. When low flow is detected, the valve redirects additional flow through the measuring section temporarily, allowing accurate measurement without permanently increasing the pump's energy consumption or the heat sink's load.
Solution Approach 2:
The priority switching valve periodically redirects flow through the measuring section at defined mixing ratios to enable measurement. This periodic intervention allows the inexpensive sensor to capture flow data without requiring continuous high flow conditions, thus avoiding sustained energy consumption increases.
3Measurement precision
If a priority switching valve is introduced to enable low flow measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The priority switching valve serves multiple functions: it enables low flow measurement by redirecting flow through the measuring section, maintains normal heating operation by routing flow to the heat sink, and allows the inexpensive sensor to function across a wider effective range. This multi-functionality justifies the added component.
4Measurement precision
If the measuring range of the sensor is extended to cover low volume flows, then measurement capability is improved, but sensor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single expensive sensor with extended measuring range, the system creates a measurement copy by redirecting a portion of the flow through the measuring section. The inexpensive sensor measures this copied flow segment, and the total flow is calculated based on the known mixing ratio, achieving extended measurement capability without the high cost of a wide-range sensor.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Reactive desulfurization of fuel gas in fuel cell heating systems, comprises: (a) converting a sulfur companion in an oxidation catalyst (8) with the addition of atmospheric oxygen or oxygen in sulfur oxides; and (b) adsorptively removing the sulfur oxides from the fuel gas in at least one adsorbers (9, 10).