Pressurized System Monitors With TEG Power and Thermal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In pressurized systems, existing monitoring components like safety valves and steam traps can be difficult to inspect and maintain, especially in large installations, leading to reduced efficiency and potential system failures due to unclear operation and failure modes, and manual inspection is not effective.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a temperature sensor, power source, and heat dissipation components integrated into a single assembly that can be mounted on system components, using thermistors, thermocouples, or RTDs, and powered by batteries or TEGs, with heat sinks and thermal isolation to maintain operational temperatures and protect electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a TEG is mounted on or near a reliable source of consistent heat, then the power source can effectively harvest energy, but the electronics of the sensor are exposed to excessive heat that exceeds their thermal rating
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor device is divided into distinct thermal zones: a hot side containing the TEG mounted on the heat source, and a cool side containing the electronics. The housing physically segments these zones, allowing the TEG to access heat while the electronics remain thermally isolated through the housing structure and thermal barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the heat source and the electronics. It provides a thermal pathway for the TEG to harvest energy while simultaneously blocking excessive heat from reaching the electronics, thus mediating the thermal interaction to protect sensitive components.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is placed in close proximity to the heat source being monitored, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor itself is exposed to temperatures that exceed its operational rating
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier or isolation structure is introduced as an intermediary between the heat source and the temperature sensor. This barrier allows the sensor to measure the temperature of the heat source accurately while preventing the sensor itself from being exposed to temperatures that would exceed its operational rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is segmented into a measurement zone near the heat source and a protection zone for the sensor. The sensor is positioned to detect thermal radiation or conductive heat transfer from the heat source while being physically isolated by housing structures that prevent direct thermal contact.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor components are mounted at different locations on system components, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but wiring complexity increases and creates hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor components (TEG, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc.) that were previously distributed and required extensive wiring are merged into a single integrated monitor device housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex wiring between components while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities through the integrated sensor array.
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
Enables continuous, efficient monitoring of pressurized systems by maintaining sensor circuitry within thermal ratings, reducing maintenance challenges and improving system reliability through accurate temperature readings and reduced wiring complexity.
Implementation Method 1
battery-less monitors that harvest energy from their environments using, for example, thermo-electric generators (TEGs)
Implementation Method 2
one or more heat dissipation components a first mounting component. The temperature sensor, the power source, the sensor circuitry, the one or more heat dissipation components, and the first mounting component are combined in a first integrated assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Monitors are for pressurized systems are described. These may include batteryless monitors that run on power harvested from their environments.