Sensor Characteristic Curve Detection Using Time Offset Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating control systems face challenges in determining the characteristic curve of temperature sensors under non-stationary conditions, where rapid changes in flow temperatures and differing response speeds between measuring and reference sensors hinder accurate resistance value corrections.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines and corrects time offsets between measured value sequences of sensors and reference sensors using cross-covariance or cross-correlation functions, enabling phase equality and allowing for the reconstruction of the characteristic curve even in non-stationary states through dynamic filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reference sensors are used to determine the characteristic curve under non-stationary conditions, then the characteristic curve can be determined in dynamic states, but time offsets due to different response speeds cause measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to determine characteristic curve in non-stationary statesVSAvoidaccuracy of resistance value determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement system adaptive to changing conditions. The system dynamically adjusts for time offsets between reference sensor and sensor measurements, allowing accurate characteristic curve determination even when measurements are taken during transient states rather than only during stationary periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from requiring stationary conditions to accepting non-stationary measurements by introducing time offset compensation. The system measures and compensates for time offsets between sensors, transforming the measurement parameters to account for dynamic response differences, enabling characteristic curve determination under varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If time offset correction is applied to non-stationary measured value sequences, then phase equality is achieved between sensor sequences, but the device complexity increases due to dynamic filtering requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase equality between measured value sequencesVSAvoidcomplexity of dynamic filter
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary time offset value that mediates between the reference sensor measurements and the sensor measurements. This time offset acts as a compensating parameter that aligns the phases of the two measurement sequences, allowing accurate characteristic curve determination without requiring complex synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If characteristic curve detection is performed only under stationary conditions, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the productivity of heating control adaptation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of characteristic curve detectionVSAvoidspeed of heating control adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static characteristic curve determination (only during stationary periods) to dynamic determination that works during transient states as well. By compensating for time offsets in real-time measurements, the system can continuously update the characteristic curve without waiting for stationary conditions, significantly improving adaptation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurement and time offset determination during transient states, preparing the data for characteristic curve calculation. By gathering and pre-processing measurement data during non-stationary periods, the system eliminates the need to wait for stationary conditions before performing characteristic curve determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2166327B1Method and device for detecting a characteristics curve
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 TECHEM ENERGY SERVICES
  • EP2166327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2166327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2166327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For the detection of a characteristic curve at a monitor (2), measuring variable temperatures over time giving successive measured values, the values are registered at a monitor (4) to be set against known characteristic curves. With a movable succession of measured values, a possible time shift (delta Tr,rohsignale,delta Tr,fr) between the series of measured and reference values is detected and corrected iteratively.