Path-Averaged Concentration Measurement for Substance Release Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for estimating substance release rates over large areas using point sensors are inefficient and do not adequately account for atmospheric changes such as wind speed and direction, leading to increased costs and less accurate predictions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that calculates path-averaged concentration measurements, adjusts for atmospheric conditions, and estimates release rates by averaging these measurements over time, using open-path sensors to monitor concentrations along a path and account for changes in wind direction and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If point sensors are used to cover large areas for substance release estimation, then measurement coverage is improved, but the number of sensors required increases leading to increased cost and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple point sensor measurements into a single path-averaged concentration measurement by integrating concentrations along the plume path. This merging approach allows one sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive area coverage for substance release estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point measurements (0D) to path-averaged measurements (1D) by integrating concentration data along the plume trajectory. This dimensional change enables the system to capture spatial variations in concentration across the plume path, effectively expanding monitoring coverage without proportionally increasing sensor count
2Measurement precision
If traditional point sensor systems are used without atmospheric correction, then system simplicity is maintained, but prediction accuracy deteriorates due to unaccounted atmospheric changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using atmospheric condition measurements (wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity) to dynamically adjust the plume dispersion model. The model continuously adapts to changing atmospheric conditions, providing real-time corrections to release rate estimates and maintaining high prediction accuracy throughout the monitoring period
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used in dispersion modeling by incorporating real-time atmospheric conditions (wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity) into the model calculations. These parameter changes allow the system to account for atmospheric variations that affect plume behavior, significantly improving prediction accuracy without requiring additional sensors
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 allows for accurate prediction of substance release rates in dynamic environments, reducing the need for multiple sensors and improving prediction accuracy by incorporating time-dependent changes in atmospheric conditions.
Implementation Method 1
determining an amount of light absorbed by the substance along the path of the beam
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for using path-averaged concentration measurements for estimating the amount of substance being released from a particular location. One or more open-path sensing systems are set up in appropriate locations around possible substance release sites and tuned to detect a particular substance of interest. Path-averaged concentration measurements of the particular substance are collected over time and communicated to an open-path back calculation algorithm. The algorithm calculates time-averaged measurements for a plurality of time periods. Back calculation is then performed with the time-averaged measurements to estimate the release rate and the total release of the substance.