Optical Thermal Profiling via Multi-Wavelength Light Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring temperature and molecular number density within thermal devices, such as boilers and reactors, are cumbersome and unable to provide a three-dimensional profile using a single opening, and existing optical methods lack the capability to measure both temperature and molecular number density simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing collimated light pulses and absorption measurements at multiple wavelengths to determine temperature and molecular number density as a function of distance, allowing for a spatial profile to be obtained through a single optical inlet and enabling three-dimensional profiling by varying the direction of light pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermal sensors are inserted in various locations in the thermal device, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but maintenance burden and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical thermal sensors with an optical measurement system that uses light pulses to measure temperature and molecular number density. The optical system includes a light source, optical inlet, and detector that work together to obtain temperature profiles without physical contact, thereby eliminating the maintenance burden associated with multiple thermal sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures both temperature and molecular number density simultaneously, and can obtain one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional profiles depending on the measurement configuration. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors for different measurement types.
2Ease of operation
If acoustical or optical methods are used for determining temperature, then maintenance burden is reduced, but the ability to measure three-dimensional profiles through a single opening is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves three-dimensional profile measurement by systematically varying the direction of light pulses in three-dimensional space. The measurement device includes means for varying the propagation direction of light pulses, allowing temperature and molecular number density to be measured along multiple lines of sight, which when combined, reconstruct a three-dimensional profile from a single optical inlet location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the propagation direction of light pulses to scan through different spatial locations. The measurement device can change the direction of light pulses in real-time, enabling comprehensive three-dimensional sampling of the thermal device interior without requiring physical movement of the entire device or multiple fixed sensors.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing optical methods are used, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but simultaneous measurement of both temperature and molecular number density is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength bands, with at least one band sensitive to temperature and another band sensitive to molecular number density. By measuring absorption or scattering at different wavelength bands separately, the system can independently determine both temperature and molecular number density from the same non-invasive optical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the wavelength-dependent nature of light-matter interactions by changing the wavelength parameter of the probe light. Different wavelength bands interact differently with the gas molecules - some bands are more sensitive to temperature effects while others are more sensitive to number density effects. By varying the wavelength and measuring the differential responses, both parameters can be simultaneously determined.
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 precise, non-invasive measurement of temperature and molecular number density within thermal devices, reducing operational burdens and providing comprehensive spatial data without the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
molecules of the gaseous compound absorb light
Implementation Method 2
particles scatter light pulses hitting the particles at various moments of time
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~6b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A method for measuring, from a thermal device, temperature, molecular number density, and/or pressure of a gaseous compound as function of distance, the gaseous compound absorbing at least some light. The method comprises generating, for a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band, a pulse sequence comprising a light pulse or light pulses, guiding the pulse sequence into the thermal device, and measuring, as function of time, the intensity of the scattered light at the first wavelength band and at the second wavelength band. The method further comprises determining information indicative of the differential absorption between the two wavelengths bands using measured intensities and determining the temperature, the molecular number density, and/or the pressure of the gaseous compound using the information indicative of the differential absorption between the two wavelengths bands. A thermal system arranged to carry out the method.