Radiometer Cleaning System Using Fluid Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiometers face significant challenges in maintaining accurate measurements due to the buildup of dirt, debris, and rime ice, which obstructs the sensor's view and requires manual cleaning or power-intensive methods like fans and heaters, making it difficult to operate in remote and extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A radiometer with a cleaning system that includes fluid nozzles and conduits to apply a pressurized fluid, such as methanol, onto the radiation transparent dome to remove dirt, debris, and rime ice, ensuring a clear view without the need for manual intervention or excessive power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual cleaning is used to remove dirt and rime from the radiometer dome, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the radiometer must be located at a manned weather station which increases cost and reduces feasibility for remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The radiometer system performs self-cleaning through an integrated fluid nozzle system that automatically removes dirt and rime from the dome without requiring manual intervention. The system includes a fluid reservoir, pump, and nozzle assembly that directs cleaning fluid onto the dome surface, allowing the instrument to maintain itself in remote autonomous locations.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning fluid acts as an intermediary substance between the contamination (dirt/rime) and the dome surface. The fluid is applied through nozzles to dissolve or loosen the accumulated contaminants, enabling their removal without direct mechanical contact that would require manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If fans and heaters are used continuously to prevent rime buildup on the radiometer, then measurement accuracy is improved, but substantial amounts of power are consumed which is not available in remote self-powered locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a self-powered fluid cleaning mechanism that eliminates the need for external power sources. The fluid reservoir and nozzle system operate autonomously using minimal energy, likely through gravity-fed flow or a simple pump mechanism, making it suitable for remote locations where continuous AC power is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (fans and heaters) with a fluid-based cleaning system. Instead of using continuous mechanical agitation or thermal energy to prevent rime, the system uses directed fluid flow to remove contaminants, significantly reducing power requirements.
3Reliability
If fans and heaters are used to keep the radiometer clean, then rime prevention is improved, but the approach is only feasible where AC-power source is available which limits adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid cleaning system serves multiple functions: it removes dirt in moderate climates, prevents and removes rime in extreme cold, and can be adapted to various mounting locations regardless of power availability. The same basic system architecture works across different environmental conditions, enhancing the radiometer's deployability.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous operation of the cleaning system allows the radiometer to be deployed in completely remote locations without requiring connection to AC power infrastructure. The system maintains itself through self-contained fluid reservoirs and minimal-power pumping mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the radiometer dome is covered to protect the sensor, then protection from environmental factors is improved, but dirt and rime buildup on the dome interferes with sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically to maintain the dome surface in a clean state, ensuring that the protective function of the dome does not degrade over time. The continuous availability of cleaning fluid and automated nozzle operation ensures uninterrupted measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning fluid serves as an intermediary that allows the dome to remain covered and protected while preventing contaminant accumulation. The fluid temporarily coats the dome surface, allowing contaminants to be removed without exposing the sensor directly to environmental factors.
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 system effectively maintains the radiometer's sensor clear of obstructions, enabling continuous and accurate solar radiation measurements in remote locations without the need for manual cleaning or high power usage, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fluid nozzles adapted to apply a fluid on the radiation transparent dome
Implementation Method 2
apply a pressurized fluid, such as methanol, onto the radiation transparent dome to remove dirt, debris, and rime ice
Data Source
AI summary
A radiometer is provided. The radiometer includes a sensor and a radiation transparent dome. The radiation transparent dome surrounds the sensor. The radiometer also includes one or more fluid nozzles. The one or more fluid nozzles are adapted to apply a fluid on the radiation transparent dome in order to clean the surface of the radiation transparent dome.