Optical Rotor Flow Sensor for Reducing Load Losses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow sensors for measuring fluid flow rates are limited by accuracy, sensitivity to pressure variations, and disruption of fluid flow, particularly in severe condition environments such as high pressure, temperature, and inhomogeneous fluids.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a rotor with vanes of different reflection coefficients, an optical module that emits and receives light radiation perpendicular to the rotor's axis, and a conversion module that determines the flow rate based on the rotor's rotation speed, minimizing disruption to the fluid flow and reducing load losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure differential flow sensors are used to measure fluid flow rate, then flow rate can be determined from pressure variation, but load losses occur and fluid flow is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidload losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure differential measurement systems with an optical measurement system. A rotor with optically detectable features rotates with the fluid flow, and its rotation speed is measured using optical detection (light reflection or transmission), eliminating the need for mechanical pressure restrictions and associated energy losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If pressure differential flow sensors are used, then flow rate can be measured, but measuring accuracy is limited due to sensitivity to uncontrolled pressure variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability under pressure variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes optical detection for pressure-based measurement. The rotor's rotation speed, which directly correlates to fluid flow rate, is measured optically using light reflection from or transmission through optically distinct features on the rotor, making the measurement independent of pressure variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If magnetic effect flow sensors are used, then flow rate can be determined, but electromagnetic stresses are imposed on materials and fluid, and accuracy is limited by electromagnetic environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic stresses on materials and fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based flow measurement with an optical measurement system. The rotor's rotation is detected using light reflection or transmission properties, eliminating electromagnetic stresses on materials and fluid while avoiding sensitivity to electromagnetic environmental interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If optical measurement system with light radiation parallel to rotor axis is used, then rotor rotation speed can be measured, but measurement accuracy is unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation speed measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of light radiation from parallel to the rotor axis to perpendicular to the rotor axis. This dimensional change in the optical measurement approach enables accurate detection of rotor rotation speed by having light reflect off or pass through optically distinct features on the rotor vanes as they rotate through the optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 achieves accurate and reliable measurement of fluid flow rates with improved accuracy compared to current solutions, especially in severe condition environments, while minimizing disruption to the fluid flow and reducing load losses.

Implementation Method 1

an optical module configured to: transmit the incident light radiation from the emission module onto the vanes of the rotor, and receive a reflected light radiation, the reflected light radiation coming from the reflection, on the vanes of the rotor, of the incident light radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12281920B2Rotor system for measuring the flow rate of a fluid comprising a liquid, and associated equipment

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A system for measuring a flow rate of a fluid containing liquid includes a body in which the fluid flows, at least one rotor configured to be rotated by the fluid, and a device for measuring a rotation speed of the rotor. The measuring device includes an optical module configured to transmit an incident light radiation on vanes of the rotor, in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotor and receive a reflected light radiation coming from the vanes. The measuring device further includes a conversion module configured to determine the rotation speed of the rotor according to the reflected light radiation and determine the flow rate of the fluid.