Multi-Sensor Cable with Heat Generator for Ground Leakage Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for thermal monitoring of filtration and erosion processes in ground structures, such as dams and levees, are limited by the need for deep excavations, high costs, and the use of expensive fiber optics, which are not suitable for existing large hydraulic structures due to safety concerns and external disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated multi-sensor integrated cable system that includes a heat generator, allowing for quasi-linear temperature measurements without deep excavations, using a heat generator integral or separate from the cable, which heats the soil and is connected to temperature sensors for controlled heating and data recording, enabling three-dimensional profiling of fluid flow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deep excavations are performed to install temperature sensors in the ground, then measurement precision is improved, but construction complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generation function from a separate excavation installation and integrates it into the sensor cable itself. The sensor cable can be installed through minimal access points while the heat generator operates independently, eliminating the need for deep excavations to install both sensors and heat sources simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat generator that can be positioned separately from the sensor cable. This intermediary device mediates the thermal interaction between the sensor cable and the ground, allowing temperature measurements to be taken through minimal excavations while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If fiber optic cables are used for thermal monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and susceptibility to external disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fiber optic cables with a more economical sensor cable system that uses conventional temperature sensors. This substitution reduces cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for filtration and erosion monitoring applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical measurement system (fiber optics) with a thermal-electrical measurement system using conventional temperature sensors and electrical heating. This replacement eliminates susceptibility to optical disturbances while maintaining measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If individual temperature sensors are installed at significant distances from each other, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and spatial continuity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple temperature sensors into a continuous sensor cable assembly that can be installed in a single operation. This combining of sensors maintains spatial measurement precision while reducing the complexity of individual sensor installation and data correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides continuous temperature measurements along its length, acts as a thermal conduit for the heat generator, and can be installed through minimal access points. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This method provides safer, cheaper, and more versatile thermal monitoring capable of detecting leaks and erosion processes in existing structures without the need for fiber optics, offering more complete and reliable data with reduced engineering risks and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The invented method is based on simultaneous use of heat sources and temperature sensors
Implementation Method 2
If there is no filtration, a relatively slow process of thermal conduction is responsible for distribution of heat in the ground
Implementation Method 3
In case of filtration, that is, of movement of the liquid, there is a significant increase of quantity and speed of heat transported together with the water mass into the soil medium. This is the so-called process of advection, dominant relative to the conduction process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Method of detection and monitoring of a fluid flow, in particular of a fluid flow in filtration processes, especially of leakage in constructions and/or in the ground, wherein a heat generator (5) and a prefabricated multi-sensor integrated cable (K) comprising at least two temperature sensors (4), at least one power line (6), at least one data line (7), preferably at least one amplifier, and optionally an A/D converter, a memory, and an identification and communication unit, all secured in a cable tube (1), are introduced into a monitored environment (2) and connected to a power source (3a) and a control and recording unit (3) comprising a means for acquisition, recording, processing and visualization of measurement data. Spatial position of each temperature sensor is determined in the monitored environment. The heat generator is fed with a current controlled by the control and recording unit according to selected algorithm. Temperature of monitored environment in function of space and time is measured with use of the temperature sensors. Produced data are transferred to the control and recording unit where these data are recorded and processed to obtain spatial and temporal distribution of temperature in monitored environment. This distribution is visualized and/or stored in a memory unit of the control and recording unit. A measuring system and a prefabricated multi-sensor integrated cable are proposed accordingly.