External Pipeline Temperature Sensor Using Machine Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring the temperature of drinking water in pipeline systems face challenges such as complex installation, potential for corrosion or limescale buildup, and the need for multiple measuring points, which can lead to increased maintenance and susceptibility to errors.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a temperature sensor element attached to a holder that contacts the outer surface of a pipeline, coupled with a processing arrangement that uses a machine learning model to determine the liquid temperature from measurement data, eliminating the need for direct fluid contact and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors with direct contact to the fluid are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipeline wall as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal energy from the liquid to the temperature sensor. Instead of placing the sensor directly in the fluid, the sensor contacts the outer surface of the pipeline, and heat conducts through the pipe wall material, providing indirect but sufficient temperature measurement without complex installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct-contact measurement system with a thermal conduction-based indirect measurement system. By utilizing the natural thermal conduction properties of the pipeline material, the system eliminates the need for complex sensor mounting mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors with direct contact to the fluid are used, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to corrosion and limescale buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline wall serves as a protective intermediary between the temperature sensor and the liquid. This barrier prevents direct contact between the sensor and the liquid, eliminating corrosion and limescale buildup issues while still allowing thermal energy transfer for accurate temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sensor design that can be easily replaced if needed, utilizing the protective barrier of the pipe wall to extend sensor life. The external mounting configuration allows for simple replacement without complex disassembly, effectively treating the sensor as a maintainable component rather than a permanent installation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed to ensure accurate monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple external sensor units that can be independently installed on different sections of the pipeline. Each sensor operates autonomously on the outer surface, allowing for modular deployment and simplified maintenance where individual sensors can be accessed and replaced without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
By using the pipeline wall as a thermal intermediary for multiple sensors, the patent enables independent installation and maintenance of each sensor unit. The external mounting configuration allows maintenance personnel to access and service sensors without shutting down the water system or performing complex pipe work.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and durable system for monitoring water temperatures, reducing maintenance needs and minimizing errors through the use of multiple temperature sensors and machine learning-based temperature estimation.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor element is attached to the holder in such a way that, when attached to the pipeline, it contacts an outer surface of the pipeline in order to obtain measurement data on the outer temperature of the pipeline
Implementation Method 2
a processing arrangement for receiving the measurement data from the temperature sensor element and for determining the temperature of the liquid conveyed in the pipeline, wherein the processing arrangement is configured to determine the temperature of the liquid from the measurement data using a machine learning model
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A device for determining the temperature of a liquid, in particular drinking water, conveyed in a pipeline (2), comprises a temperature sensor element (13) and a holder (11) for attachment to the pipeline (2). The temperature sensor element (13) is fastened to the holder (11) in such a way that, when the holder (11) is attached to the pipeline (2), it contacts an outer surface of the pipeline (2) in order to obtain measurement data relating to the outer temperature of the pipeline (2). The device further comprises a processing arrangement (20) for receiving the measurement data from the temperature sensor element (13) and for determining the temperature of the liquid conveyed in the pipeline (2), wherein the processing arrangement (20) is configured to determine the temperature of the liquid from the measurement data using a machine learning model.