Ventilation Flap Thermal Anemometer for Geometry-Independent Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional volume flow sensors in ventilation pipes are influenced by pipe geometry, making installation challenging and prone to measurement errors, as they require specific placement after curved or straight sections, increasing installation effort and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A thermal anemometer with a sensor surface is integrated into a motor-controlled ventilation flap, allowing for reliable volume flow measurement and control, independent of pipe geometry, by placing the sensor on the longitudinal axis of the ventilation pipe, and optionally as a separate module, with adjustable mounting to ensure optimal placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional volume flow sensors are installed in ventilation pipes, then volume flow measurement is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to requirements for specific pipe geometry placement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the pipe wall mounting configuration and integrated into the ventilation flap assembly, allowing it to be positioned at the pipe center rather than being constrained by pipe wall geometry requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation flap assembly is given multiple functions: it serves both as a flow control mechanism and as a mounting platform for the volume flow sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensor installation infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If separate volume flow sensors are installed in addition to ventilation flaps and drives, then measurement capability is added, but installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The volume flow sensor is merged with the ventilation flap assembly, combining previously separate components (sensor, flap, drive) into a single integrated unit that is installed as one package rather than multiple separate installations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: flow control via the flap, speed control via the drive, and volume flow measurement via the sensor, all in one installed unit
3Ease of operation
If sensors are placed on the pipe wall, then installation is simplified, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to pipe geometry influences
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is taken out from the pipe wall mounting location and repositioned to the pipe center via the ventilation flap assembly, eliminating the harmful influence of pipe wall geometry on measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation flap assembly acts as an intermediary carrier that enables the sensor to achieve optimal central positioning in the pipe without requiring direct pipe wall modifications or complex pipe geometry conditions
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 solution simplifies the installation and operation of volume flow measurement and control systems by eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing measurement errors, as the sensor is decoupled from pipe geometry influences, providing accurate and cost-effective control of ventilation systems.
Implementation Method 1
thermal anemometers (i.e. anemometers which are based on temperature measurement, namely on determining the degree of cooling of a heating element, which depends on the flow rate of the medium)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for measuring a volume flow in a ventilation pipe (1) comprises a mounting (8) that can be fixed in the ventilation pipe (1) and a sensor element (13) having a sensor surface (18.1), said element being disposed on the mounting (8) and configured as a thermal anemometer. Upstream of the sensor element (13) is a turbulence-generating element, for example in the form of a break-away edge (17.1), which is configured and disposed at a distance from the sensor surface (18.1) such that highly turbulent flow is generated in the region of the sensor surface (18.1) in a targeted manner. Downstream of the sensor surface (18.1) is a flow element (20), which widens in the cross-section thereof in the flow direction (L), wherein starting from a height level of the sensor surface (18.1) a height is reached that is greater than the height of the break-away edge (17.1) opposite the sensor surface (18.1).