Piezoelectric Sensor Fluid Velocity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric sensors are not well-documented for measuring flow velocity, due to nonlinearities between fluid flow and the physical properties of piezoelectrics, limiting their effectiveness in real-time monitoring of fluid flow rates in power generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a piezoelectric sensor positioned in a fluid flow stream to measure voltage output caused by mechanical stress, with calculated fluid flow rates based on predefined relationships between voltage output and physical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If piezoelectric sensors are used for flow velocity measurements, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to nonlinearities between fluid flow and piezoelectric physical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the piezoelectric sensor from its conventional pressure measurement application to velocity measurement by changing the physical parameter being measured. The sensor responds to dynamic fluid forces (drag and lift) rather than static pressure, enabling velocity measurement capability while maintaining real-time monitoring advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical velocity measurement systems with piezoelectric sensors that convert mechanical fluid forces directly into electrical signals. This substitution enables real-time monitoring while the signal processing algorithms compensate for nonlinearities to maintain measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If piezoelectric sensors are positioned in fluid flow stream to measure voltage output, then velocity measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the piezoelectric sensor system multi-functional by enabling it to measure both pressure and velocity parameters. The same sensor hardware can operate in different measurement modes, reducing the need for separate dedicated velocity measurement devices and thereby offsetting the added signal processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing algorithms as an intermediary between the piezoelectric sensor output and the final velocity measurement. These algorithms act as a mediator that transforms the raw voltage output, which contains nonlinear relationships with fluid flow, into accurate velocity measurements through computational compensation
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 proposed solution enables accurate measurement of fluid flow rates by correlating voltage output from piezoelectric sensors with predefined physical parameters, effectively addressing the nonlinearities and limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a voltage output from the piezoelectric sensor caused by mechanical stress from the fluid flow stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring fluid flow rate is provided. The method comprises positioning a piezoelectric sensor in a fluid flow stream and measuring a voltage output from the piezoelectric sensor caused by mechanical stress from the fluid flow stream. A fluid flow rate is calculated based on the measured voltage output according to predefined relationships between the voltage output and a number physical parameters.