Multi-Path Optical Gas Sensor with Retroreflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote sensing devices for measuring exhaust gas emissions face challenges in accurately measuring low-concentration materials and are prone to contamination, leading to inaccurate results and high maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a beam splitter and reflection units to direct light beams through a measurement volume multiple times, allowing for integral measurements and flexible detection configurations, including multiple measurement points and adjustable beam paths, to enhance accuracy and reduce maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light beam is directed through the measurement volume only once, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for low-concentration materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple beam paths nested within a single measurement volume, where the light beam traverses the measurement volume multiple times through a combination of direct transmission and reflection off a retroreflector. This nesting of beam paths increases the effective measurement path length without requiring multiple separate measurement volumes or complex multi-device arrangements, thereby improving measurement precision for low-concentration materials while controlling device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the measurement station is set up to capture beams from multiple directions, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector serves multiple functions: it reflects the outgoing beam back through the measurement volume, provides a return path for the beam to reach the detector, and enables measurement from effectively multiple directions using a single optical component. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced measurement precision through multi-directional beam capture without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate optical elements and beam paths.
3Measurement precision
If a retroreflector is used to direct the beam back through the measurement volume, then the measurement precision for low-concentration materials improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector is a relatively simple, inexpensive optical component that can be easily replaced if contaminated or damaged. By using this simple component to enable multiple beam passes through the measurement volume, the system achieves improved measurement precision for low-concentration materials without investing in complex, expensive optical systems. The ease of replacement also reduces long-term operational complexity and maintenance burden.
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 approach enables more accurate measurement of low-concentration gaseous and solid materials with reduced maintenance needs, improving the reliability and flexibility of remote sensing for exhaust gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one beam splitter unit splits the main primary beam into at least one first partial beam oriented through the measurement volume toward the first reflection region and at least one secondary primary beam oriented in a different direction than the main primary beam
Implementation Method 2
the first reflection region is provided in order to direct the first partial beam as a first return beam through the at least one measurement volume to the at least one detector
Implementation Method 3
the at least one secondary primary beam can be directed, as a second partial beam, through the at least one measurement volume toward the second reflection region by means of the deflecting unit
Implementation Method 4
A detector enables, for example, a measurement of the attenuation of the light that is transmitted through the plume
Implementation Method 5
This can then be realized, for example, via light scattering or by measuring the attenuation of the return beam in relation to the radiated light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring at least one gaseous or solid material in at least one measurement volume at a stationary measurement station, wherein: a light source and at least one detector are provided, and at least one main primary beam can be emitted from the light source to at least one beam splitter unit; the at least one beam splitter unit is disposed at a first distance from a first reflection region of a reflection unit, and the beam splitter unit splits the main primary beam into at least one first partial beam oriented through the measurement volume toward the first reflection region and at least one secondary primary beam oriented in a different direction than the main primary beam; at least one deflecting unit is disposed at a second distance from a second reflection region, and the at least one secondary primary beam can be directed to the deflecting unit by means of the beam splitter unit and the at least one secondary primary beam can be directed, as a second partial beam, through the at least one measurement volume toward the second reflection region by means of the deflecting unit; and each of the at least one measurement volume is disposed between the beam splitter unit and/or the deflecting unit and the associated reflection regions and is at least partly delimited by the beam splitter unit and/or the deflecting unit and the associated reflection regions. According to the invention, the first reflection region directs the first partial beam, as a first return beam, through the at least one measurement volume to the at least one detector, the second reflection region directs the second partial beam, as a second return beam, through the at least one measurement volume to the at least one detector, and the at least one detector measures a light property of each return beam, said light property characterizing the at least one gaseous or solid material.