Real-Time Solid Flow Rate Estimation via State-Space Data Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic conveying systems face challenges in achieving reliable real-time solid flow rate measurements, as they often rely on single sensors, making them prone to failure and resulting in unreliable data if any sensor malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple sensors, a data-fusion unit, and an estimating unit that generates and processes multiple measurement signals to establish a state-space model, providing an estimated value of the real-time solid flow rate through data fusion and estimation algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to obtain multiple measured values, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measured values from different sensors into a single state-space model through data fusion. The model integrates measurements from various sensors (such as pressure, temperature, and flow sensors) to compute a unified solid flow rate estimate, thereby improving reliability while managing system complexity through mathematical integration rather than physical replication
Solution Approach 2:
The state-space model acts as an intermediary that processes and reconciles multiple sensor measurements. Instead of directly combining raw sensor data, the model serves as a mediator that transforms individual measured values into a coherent estimate of solid flow rate, handling inconsistencies and failures gracefully through its mathematical structure
2Measurement precision
If data fusion and state-space modeling are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a computational approach using state-space modeling. Instead of using elaborate physical sensors and mechanisms to directly measure solid flow rate, the system substitutes mathematical models that process simpler sensor measurements (pressure, temperature, gas flow) to derive the solid flow rate with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The state-space model transforms the measurement problem by changing parameters from direct solid flow rate measurement to indirect measurement through related parameters (pressure differential, gas flow rate, temperature). This parameter transformation allows precision improvement through mathematical relationships rather than direct physical measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a real time solid flow rate of a solid-gas mixture is provided. The system includes multiple sensors, a data-fusion unit and an estimating unit. The sensors generate multiple measurement signals for obtaining at least two measured values of the real time solid flow rate. The data-fusion unit receives the measured values and establishes a state-space model based on the measured values. The estimating unit estimates the state-space model to generate an estimated value of the real time solid flow rate. A method for determining a real time solid flow rate of a solid-gas mixture is also presented.