Vortex Flow Sensor Foreign Entity Detection for Heat Pump Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in detecting foreign objects, such as gas bubbles or particle-shaped solids, in fluid flows, particularly in high-hygiene processes like food handling and in heat pump systems where gas leaks can be hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral flow measurement system uses a spine sensor to detect foreign objects by analyzing measurement signals for deviations from setpoints, extracting sensitive measurement variables from frequency and amplitude information, and outputting indicator signals to quantify foreign object concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vortex flow measurement systems are used for flow rate determination, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but detection of foreign entities (gas bubbles, particles) is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow measurement system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: both flow rate determination and foreign entity detection. The same vortex sensor and evaluation unit that measure flow rate also analyze measurement signals for foreign entities, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate detection equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The foreign entity detection functionality is merged with the existing vortex flow measurement system. The evaluation unit combines flow rate calculation with foreign entity detection by analyzing the same measurement signals from the vortex sensor, integrating two detection functions into a single unified system.
2Measurement precision
If foreign entities are detected using specialized detection methods (microwave, ultrasound, permittivity measurement), then detection accuracy is improved, but equipment upgrades and increased system complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow measurement system performs self-diagnosis by analyzing its own measurement signals for foreign entities. The evaluation unit extracts additional information from the existing measurement signals without requiring external detection systems, allowing the system to detect foreign entities using its own operational data.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex sensor and evaluation unit are designed to perform both flow rate measurement and foreign entity detection, making the system multi-functional. The same hardware components serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for specialized detection equipment while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If multiple measurement variables are extracted from vortex sensor signals for foreign entity detection, then detection reliability is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit continuously monitors multiple measurement variables (frequency, amplitude, zero-crossing rates) from the vortex sensor signals and uses feedback mechanisms to determine the presence and concentration of foreign entities. The system compares measured values against reference values and adjusts detection decisions based on the combined information from multiple variables, improving reliability through cross-validation.
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 allows for continuous, relative quantification of foreign object concentration in fluid flows, enabling early detection of potential hazards and facilitating regulatory interventions in processes like heat pump systems.
Implementation Method 1
Vortex flow measurement systems are based on determining the vortex shedding frequency of a Kärmän vortex street induced by a bluff body in the fluid flow to be monitored
Implementation Method 2
The vortex sensor is designed to measure local pressure differences resulting from the counter-rotating and offset fluid vortices shedding from the bluff body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting foreign entities (E) in a fluid flow (F), in particular gas bubbles or particulate solids, wherein the method is carried out using a vortex flow measurement system (1) with a vortex sensor (11), and wherein at least the following method steps are carried out: - Continuous acquisition of a measurement signal (S) using the vortex sensor (11), - Determination of an actual value of at least one measured quantity dependent on the measurement signal (S), wherein the measured quantity is sensitive to foreign entities (E) carried in the fluid flow (F), - Determination of a deviation of the actual value from a target value, wherein the target value characterizes the fluid flow (F) without foreign entities (E), and - Determination and output of an indicator signal (I) based on the deviation of the actual value as a measure of the concentration of foreign entities (E) carried in the fluid flow (F).