Pulsed Radar Level Gauge Adaptive Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed radar level gauge systems consume excessive energy due to the need for continuous operation across a large measurement range, with most of the energy used beyond the tank's bottom not contributing to filling level determination.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power management system that switches between low-power and high-power states based on a reduced time period corresponding to the anticipated filling level, using timing circuitry to control phase differences between transmission and reference signals, allowing the system to be fully active only when the phase difference matches the anticipated filling level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the level gauge system operates continuously across the full measurement sweep range, then the maximum measuring distance coverage is ensured, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting the future filling level based on historical data and current trends. This prediction allows the system to pre-position the measurement sweep window, ensuring that the relevant measurement range is captured while avoiding unnecessary sweeping through irrelevant ranges, thus reducing energy consumption without compromising measurement coverage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement sweep range and timing are made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts the measurement sweep parameters based on predicted filling level changes, adjusting the active measurement window to match the anticipated product level. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable measurement coverage of the relevant range while minimizing energy-wasting sweeps in irrelevant ranges
2Productivity
If the measurement sweep covers the full range from minimum to maximum measuring distance, then the complete measurement range is available, but the time required for each measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of the filling level to determine the optimal measurement sweep window before actually performing the measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to concentrate the measurement sweep on the most relevant time window, reducing the sweep duration and increasing update rate without sacrificing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete full-range measurement sweep every time, the system applies partial action by sweeping only through the predicted relevant portion of the measurement range. This partial sweep approach maintains productivity by reducing sweep time while ensuring adequate coverage of the actual measurement needs through predictive positioning
3Loss of energy
If the system uses a large measurement range beyond the tank bottom, then the maximum measuring distance capability is utilized, but the energy and time used for distances beyond the tank bottom does not contribute to filling level determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating measurement energy and resources on the specific local range that is actually relevant for filling level determination. Rather than uniformly distributing measurement efforts across the entire maximum measurement range, the predictive sweep window focuses energy locally on the anticipated product level, eliminating waste while preserving the system's ability to adapt to different tank configurations and product levels
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 significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining update rate and measurement accuracy, prolonging battery life in battery-powered systems and optimizing energy usage without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a propagation device connected to the transmission signal generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the electromagnetic transmission signal towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected electromagnetic signal resulting from reflection of the electromagnetic transmission signal at the surface of the product
Implementation Method 2
timing circuitry connected to at least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal providing circuitry for providing a time-varying phase difference between the electromagnetic transmission signal and the electromagnetic reference signal
Implementation Method 3
the distance to the surface of the product is generally determined based on the time between transmission of an electromagnetic signal and reception of the reflection thereof in the interface between the atmosphere in the tank and the product contained therein
Data Source
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AI summary
The method comprises the steps of generating a transmission signal; propagating the transmission signal towards the product; receiving a reflected signal; providing a reference signal exhibiting a time-varying phase difference in relation to the transmission signal; forming a measurement signal; and determining the filling level based on the measurement signal. The method further comprises the steps of: determining a reduced time period comprising a time when the time-varying phase difference corresponds to an anticipated filling level, the reduced time period being shorter than the measurement sweep time period; controlling the level gauge system to change from a low-power state to a high-power state at a start of the reduced time period; and controlling the level gauge system to change back from the high-power state to the low-power state at an end of the reduced time period.