Water Meter Capacitive Conductivity Sensing for Quality Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water meters lack the capability to effectively measure water conductivity for assessing water quality, which is crucial for various applications including monitoring and managing water distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a capacitive electrical conductivity sensor within a water meter, utilizing a capacitor assembly with electrodes embedded in a plastic conduit, to measure the complex admittance of water flow, allowing for the determination of water conductivity through a model that includes a constant phase element and resistors, and using techniques like Inverse Problem Solving to calculate conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water meter is designed to measure flow rate, then flow measurement capability is achieved, but water conductivity measurement capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The water meter is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional flow rate measurement using ultrasonic transducers and capacitive conductivity measurement using electrode assemblies. The device integrates both measurement capabilities within a single water meter housing, allowing it to serve as both a flow meter and a conductivity sensor for comprehensive water quality monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flow measurement system (ultrasonic transducers) and conductivity measurement system (electrode assemblies with capacitor structure) into a single integrated water meter device. The electrode assembly is positioned within the water flow path and integrates with the existing meter structure, merging multiple sensing functions into one unified device
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional conductivity sensors are used separately, then conductivity measurement is achieved, but integration with water meter is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity sensor is merged with the water meter by positioning the electrode assembly within the water flow path of the meter. The electrode assembly integrates with the meter housing and works in conjunction with the flow measurement system, eliminating the need for separate installation of standalone conductivity sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The water meter is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional flow rate measurement using ultrasonic transducers and capacitive conductivity measurement using electrode assemblies. The device integrates both measurement capabilities within a single water meter housing, allowing it to serve as both a flow meter and a conductivity sensor for comprehensive water quality monitoring
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
Enables accurate measurement of water conductivity, providing insights into water quality parameters such as pollutants and impurities, and facilitating data transmission to utility companies for better management and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor assembly to measure at least part of a complex admittance of the flow of water, wherein the flow of water forms at least part of a medium between a first electrode and a second electrode of the capacitor assembly
Implementation Method 2
determining an electrical conductivity of a flow of water passing through a pipe within a water meter
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive electrical conductivity sensor is integrated into a water meter. The sensor is used to determine water conductivity, which may be used to determine water quality. A model of a capacitor, a flow of water, and a plastic pipe used to conduct the flow of water passing through a water meter is defined. The model may include a circuit having a constant phase element (CPE) connected to a resistor Rb and a capacitor Cb in parallel. An input signal may be applied to the actual capacitor (not the model) over a range of frequencies. Current flow associated with several frequencies may be used to identify values of Q0 and alpha of the CPE of the model. A value for the resistor Rb is identified using values obtained from measurements. A conductivity of the flow of water may be derived using input values comprising Rb, and the values of Q0 and alpha of the CPE of the model.