Sensor, controller and system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for measuring temperature distribution within a vessel, such as those used in heating or cooling systems, are inadequate in determining the useful volume of thermal energy due to limitations in accuracy, cost, and complexity, particularly in resolving the thermal energy content above a specific threshold temperature.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array with temperature-dependent elements, including thermistors and resistive components, is deployed along the vessel to measure the temperature profile, allowing for the calculation of thermal energy content by aggregating temperature-dependent parameters, and a controller processes these signals to determine the useful volume of fluid based on threshold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used to measure fluid temperature, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of thermal energy content is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array divides the measurement task into multiple segments, with each sensor element measuring temperature at a specific location along the vessel. This segmentation allows accurate determination of the temperature profile and thermal energy content by integrating measurements from multiple points, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed to measure temperature distribution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensor elements are merged into a single integrated sensor array structure that functions as one cohesive measurement device. The elements are electrically connected in series or parallel configurations, allowing the array to be treated as a single component for installation and operation, thus improving temperature distribution measurement while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring temperature at multiple locations, determining the temperature profile, calculating thermal energy content, and identifying the thermocline position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If an array of temperature sensors is used to determine temperature profile, then the measurement precision of thermal energy content improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature measurement systems with an electrical sensor array that uses electrical connections to aggregate temperature data. The electrical infrastructure substitutes for more complex mechanical or manual measurement systems, enabling accurate temperature profile measurement while managing overall device complexity through standardized electrical components and connections.
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 accurate and cost-effective measurement of thermal energy content, enabling effective management of heating or cooling systems by ensuring the safety of hot water supplies and optimizing energy usage by determining the useful volume of fluid and thermal energy within the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor array with temperature-dependent elements, including thermistors and resistive components, is deployed along the vessel to measure the temperature profile
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the calculation of thermal energy content by aggregating temperature-dependent parameters
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring temperature of a fluid within a vessel, the vessel having a first region and a second region and the fluid having a temperature profile extending between the first region and the second region, the sensor comprising an array of elements, each element having a temperature-dependent parameter, the array being capable of deployment within or adjacent the vessel such that the array extends along the vessel for measuring the temperature profile, the elements of the array being coupled together between an input and an output, the input being coupled or capable of being coupled to a driving source for driving the sensors, and the output being coupled or capable of being coupled to a detector for measuring an aggregate of the temperature-dependent parameter from the array of elements. The invention further relates to a fluid temperature controller comprising a first input for receiving a first signal indicating a measurement of an aggregate of a temperature-dependent parameter from a sensor according to any preceding claim deployed within or adjacent a vessel containing a fluid having a temperature profile, a second input for receiving a second signal indicating a (preferably absolute) temperature of the fluid in the vessel and a processor configured to calculate a total thermal energy of the fluid in the vessel based on the first and second signals. The invention also relates to a combination comprising a sensing arrangement and a controller; a device; and a system.