Pulsed Radar Level Gauge Temperature-Based Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed radar level gauge systems require a substantial period to achieve the desired frequency difference for accurate filling level measurement, leading to prolonged power-up times and energy inefficiency, especially in battery-powered systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring the present operating temperature and using pre-stored data sets to determine an initial frequency control parameter for the transmission and reference signal generating circuitry, allowing for faster control of the frequency difference between the pulse repetition frequencies, thereby reducing startup time and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regulator monitors the frequency difference for stable regulation, then the frequency difference control stability is improved, but the time to achieve desired frequency difference increases to 20-30 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between temperature and frequency control parameters in a lookup table during system initialization or calibration. When the system operates, the regulator retrieves the pre-determined frequency control parameter corresponding to the current temperature from the lookup table, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time monitoring and adjustment of frequency difference. This allows the system to achieve the desired frequency difference almost immediately upon startup or temperature change, reducing the 20-30 second delay while maintaining control stability through the pre-established temperature-frequency relationship.
2Measurement precision
If the pulsed radar level gauge system operates continuously to maintain accurate frequency difference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using the lookup table approach that allows the system to quickly establish accurate frequency difference control without requiring continuous adjustment. The system can enter low-power states between measurements since the pre-stored temperature-frequency relationships enable rapid re-establishment of accurate operation after wake-up. This periodic operation pattern maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation, making the system suitable for battery-powered applications.
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 shortens the time to achieve a reliable filling level determination, leading to a more energy-efficient pulsed level gauge system with longer battery life and higher update rates.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor for providing a signal indicative of a present operating temperature of the pulsed level gauge system
Implementation Method 2
transmission signal generating circuitry for generating an electromagnetic transmission signal in the form of a first pulse train
Implementation Method 3
arranged to propagate the electromagnetic transmission signal towards a surface of a product contained in a tank, and to return an electromagnetic reflection signal resulting from reflection of the electromagnetic transmission signal at the surface of the product
Implementation Method 4
reference signal generating circuitry for generating an electromagnetic reference signal in the form of a second pulse train
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a pulsed radar level gauge system, comprising the steps of: acquiring a signal indicative of a present operating temperature; determining an initial frequency control parameter for control of at least one of transmission signal generating circuitry and reference signal generating circuitry based on the present operating temperature and a plurality of data sets each comprising data indicative of a previous operating temperature and a previously determined frequency control parameter for the previous operating temperature; and controlling, starting from the initial frequency control parameter, at least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal generating circuitry to achieve the known frequency difference between the first pulse repetition frequency and the second pulse repetition frequency at the present operating temperature.