Multipoint Radar Flow Velocity Meter for River Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow measurement systems for rivers face challenges such as low accuracy, limited measurement range, and high costs due to the need for multiple manual measurements and equipment, especially when measuring low flow velocities or velocities off the main flow direction, leading to inefficiencies and errors.
Innovation Solution
A multipoint radar flow velocity meter and RTU system that simultaneously measures distance and flow velocity information across multiple areas using radar electromagnetic waves, correcting for errors and converting data into big data for accurate flow rate calculations, reducing time, costs, and manpower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single flow velocity meter is used to measure river flow velocity, then the measurement process is simplified, but it can only measure one point at a time requiring multiple measurements for different points which wastes time and manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement area is divided into multiple discrete points (first, second, third measurement points) within the field of view. The radar apparatus segments the measurement task by assigning different beam directions to different measurement points, allowing simultaneous multi-point measurement instead of sequential single-point measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point measurement by adding the spatial dimension of multiple beam directions. By controlling the radar beam to point in different directions corresponding to different measurement points, the system achieves simultaneous measurement across multiple locations without requiring physical movement of the apparatus.
2Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic wave-based flow velocity measurement is used, then safety and simplicity are improved, but measurement accuracy is low especially for low flow velocities and off-direction flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different measurement strategies to different measurement points based on their local characteristics. The processor module calculates flow velocity components differently for each measurement point, considering the specific beam direction and local flow conditions. This allows accurate measurement at each point while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple measurement points to improve overall measurement accuracy. By measuring flow velocities at multiple points and using the relationship between them, the system can infer and correct measurements, particularly improving accuracy for low flow velocities and flows departing from the main direction where single-point measurement would fail.
3Measurement precision
If multiple flow velocity meters are used to measure velocities at several points, then measurement coverage is improved, but equipment cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single radar apparatus is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by controlling the beam direction. The same radar device can measure flow velocities at multiple points by pointing the beam in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple separate flow velocity meters. The apparatus is universal in that it can measure at any point within its field of view by adjusting the beam direction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flow velocity is measured at points departing from the flow direction, then measurement coverage is expanded, but measurement errors increase without correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple measurement points including those departing from the main flow direction to improve accuracy. By measuring at oblique angles and using the relationships between measurements from different points, the system can calculate and correct for directional errors, ultimately achieving accurate main flow velocity measurement even when individual points are not perfectly aligned with the flow direction.
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 system enables accurate and efficient measurement of flow rates across multiple areas, including low flow velocities, by using a multipoint radar flow velocity meter and RTU to process and correct data, resulting in improved accuracy and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna module comprising a transmission antenna configured to transmit a radar electromagnetic wave and a plurality of reception antennas configured to receive a plurality reflective electromagnetic waves generated by reflection of the radar electromagnetic wave from a Field Of View zone on a surface of a river
Implementation Method 2
These meters acquire a surface flow velocity by emitting an electromagnetic wave to a water surface that has irregular waves, receiving a signal reflecting from the water surface, and computing a frequency by Doppler effect
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a flow measurement system that creates distance information and flow velocity information of each of a plurality of measurement areas in a Field of View (FOV) zone of the surface of a river using radar electromagnetic waves by means of a multipoint radar flow velocity meter and that calculates a flow rate using the distance information and flow velocity information of each of the plurality of measurement areas, and meteorological observation information, level information, etc. of a river by means of an RTU.