Abstract: A gas sensor for detecting a gas in an environment is disclosed. The gas sensor comprises a housing having a cavity and a vent hole within the housing and a distributed element resonator within the cavity. The cavity includes a bottom surface and a top surface, and the housing is configured to receive the gas from the environment into the cavity through the vent hole. The distributed element resonator has an input terminal configured to receive a radio frequency input signal and an output terminal configured to produce an output signal.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle, an air conditioning system, and a method for controlling a refrigeration cycle are provided. The refrigeration cycle includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a controller, and an inverter. The controller controls a compressor and an outdoor fan of the air conditioning system so as to minimize a total electric power consumption of the air conditioning system. The inverter controls the outdoor fan in a rotation state predicted from a capacity demand in an air conditioning space depending on an operation mode and sensor values. The controller predicts the capacity demand and controls a rotation rate of the outdoor fan based on a prediction of the capacity demand.

Abstract: Capillary-type mass flow meters and controllers are described that employ temperature sensor hardware providing boundary conditions as necessary for direct computation of mass flow rate. The approach offers dramatically improved operable range and other potential benefits as compared to known systems.

Abstract: A system and method for storing energy from an electrical grid utilizes a system heat pump at a premises for transferring energy from the grid to a thermal storage reservoir and a premises heat pump that can use the stored energy to provide, for example, heat to the premises. The system heat pump and premises heat pump desirably operate independently of one another so that energy can be transferred to the thermal storage reservoir regardless of whether energy is being withdrawn by the premises heat pump. Plural energy storage systems utilizing respective system and premises heat pumps and thermal storage reservoirs can form a part of the utility customer system with the system heat pumps being operable to shape the load on the electrical grid. A system heat pump can be operated to minimize a customer's bill, or the utility's cost and alternatively to achieve other purposes, depending upon the mode of operation of the system.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to enhance the detection accuracy of an absolute humidity determined from at least temperature and relative humidity when carrying out temperature control using a heating element according to detection characteristics for temperature and relative humidity. A physical quantity detection device according to the present invention is provided with a humidity sensor for detecting relative humidity and temperature, a heater for heating the humidity sensor, and a microcomputer and controls the heat generation amount of the heater by using the heater for heating and stopping heating such that an environment under measurement is at least a room temperature and is a temperature at which a relative humidity detection characteristic and temperature detection characteristic for the humidity sensor improve, thereby enhancing the accuracy of absolute humidity detection.

Abstract: An embodiment of a bonding jumper systems can include one bonding jumper comprising an electroconductive material. The bonding jumper can be a member comprising an inlet end and an outlet end. The at least one bonding juniper can be configured to be mechanically coupled to a water meter body. The water meter can comprise an inlet and outlet that both comprise an electroconductive fitting. The inlet end is mechanically coupled to the inlet to initiate an electrical coupling and the outlet end is mechanically coupled to the outlet to complete the electrical coupling. The bonding jumper system can further include a cover configured to encapsulate the meter body and the at least one bonding jumper.

Abstract: Non-normal statistics applied to diffusivity calculations accelerate screening of ionic conductors for electrochemical devices such as electric storage batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. Displacements of atomic species within a crystalline structure for a candidate ionic conductor material are analyzed using a Skellam distribution optionally combined with Gaussian noise to calculate values for the standard deviation, upper error bound, and lower error bound for predicted values of diffusivity (D). When the predicted values of D have sufficient statistical precision, the diffusivity calculation is terminated and the calculated diffusivity is compared to a threshold value of diffusivity. When the threshold has been exceeded, the candidate ionic conductor may be listed as a preferred good conductor. When the calculated diffusivity fails to exceed the threshold, the material may be listed as a poor conductor and may be eliminated from further consideration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the temperature sensed upon contact with a surface. The method includes contactless heating of the surface, contactless measurement of a time change in temperature of the surface, and estimation of the temperature sensed upon contact with the surface on the basis of this time change in temperature.

Abstract: A device, such as a heat meter for measurements of hot tap water energy usage, separated from building heating energy usage, in a district heating substation. The device is connected only to sensors attached to the supply pipe and return pipe of the district heating substation. A device, such as a heat meter, has a detector to detect a deviation in the total power (P) usage in the district heating substation which deviation depends on the use of warm tap water.

Abstract: The specific heat of working fluids used in commercial heating systems commonly change with temperature and composition. Conventional heat metering systems assume a fixed value of the specific heat at a nominal temperature. This source of inaccuracy is removed by measuring the specific heat of a working fluid as a heating system operates and using the currently measured value in calculating the heat transferred. The real time specific heat measurement may be made by using a specific heat sensor having either a resistive heating element or a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A thermal analysis apparatus possesses a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of a heating furnace inside, a temperature program setter which can set a temperature program and outputs a temperature program signal, a temperature control section adjusting a supply electric power to a heater in compliance with a difference between the temperature program signal and a detection signal of the temperature sensor, a processor section calculating an air flow rate corresponding to a program temperature, and a mass flow controller which adjusts an air flow rate supplied to the heating furnace inside in compliance with a signal of the air flow rate calculated by the processor section. In the processor section, operation expressions calculating the air flow rate are set so as to differ respectively in a higher temperature side and a lower temperature side than a predetermined boundary temperature.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for determining the capacity of a heat exchanger is provided. The effective heat transfer coefficient for the heat exchanger is calculated from the measured inlet and outlet temperatures of the product and the measured inlet and outlet temperatures of the auxiliary medium. By means of the value, the outlet temperature of the product set for maximum flow of the auxiliary medium is determined as that at which the change in the heat content of the product is at least approximately the same as the change in the heat content of the auxiliary medium and the amount of heat transmitted by the heat exchanger for the product flow. The value is displayed to the user and permits a decision as to how much longer the heat exchanger can reliably be operated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for diagnosing temperature sensor operation in an exhaust aftertreatment system. Temperature signals from first, second and third temperature sensors and a flow signal are received by a control circuit. The three temperature sensors are positioned in fluid communication with an exhaust flow path fluidly coupled to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, and the flow signal represents the flow rate of exhaust gas through the exhaust flow path. The control circuit determines average temperature differentials between each of the first, second and third temperature sensors as functions of the flow signal and corresponding ones of the first, second and third temperature signals, and produces a diagnostic fail signal if any of the differences between the average temperature differentials exceed a threshold value.

Abstract: A heat exchanger evaluation system (84) includes a refrigeration subsystem (126) and a platform (94) in communication with the subsystem (126) for attachment of a heat exchanger (32). The system, (84) further includes a thermal imaging camera (168) and a monitor (100). A method (180) entails routing a fluid (38) through the heat exchanger (32) via the refrigeration subsystem (126). The camera (168) detects the temperature variation across the heat exchanger (32) as the fluid (38) flows through the heat exchanger, and provides successive thermal images representing the temperature variation responsive to the flow of the fluid (38). The thermal images are utilized to determine an efficacy of the flow through the heat exchanger (32). In particular, a determination can be made as to whether the flow deviates from a pre-determined flow path (79) of the fluid (38) through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates with the feed-back control system of a heat exchanger by use of the flow resonance phenomenon which maximizes the heat transfer efficiency by generating the flow disturbances of a heat transfer medium. If a heat transfer medium is periodically stimulated at the characteristic frequency of a heat exchanger, the flow resonance frequency, which is dependent upon the flow conditions of heat transfer medium and the geometries of a heat exchanger, the disturbances of heat transfer medium is increased to the extent that heat transfer is dramatically high. This system is composed of the detecting part for the detection of flow characteristics, the processing part for the determination of flow resonance frequency, and the stimulating part which excites a heat transfer medium at the calculated flow resonance frequency.

Abstract: A monitoring system for rotating equipment includes detection of temperature conditions in various areas of the system including motor and pump bearings, mechanical seal environment including seal flush, seal cooler and seal reservoir and process fluid temperature. The monitoring system allows for the prediction of component failures and a proactive repair schedule which minimizes if not eliminates component damage.

Abstract: Process and device for controlling the temperature of an outbound secondary flow in a secondary circuit from a heat exchanger by a primary flow in a primary circuit, via a member that regulates the primary flow, influenced by a control unit. The enthalpy difference between inbound and outbound primary flow to and from the heat exchanger and the secondary flow are determined. The flow in the primary circuit is determined, and the parameters are supplied to the control unit for controlling the member, whereby the primary flow is controlled in dependence of the secondary flow, so that power supplied to the heat exchanger substantially equals the sum of the power needed to raise the temperature of the secondary flow from the initial temperature to the desired outbound temperature; the assumed power requirement for compensating for energy stored in the heat exchanger; and the assumed leak power from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An energy metering method and apparatus for liquid flow systems comprising first and second segments of one or more conduits through which a liquid flows, comprising: attaching a first temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the first conduit segment; attaching a second temperature sensor for connection to an outside of the second conduit segment; via a programmable control unit, receiving data from the sensors and calculating energy data therefrom; and communicating energy data from the meter; whereby the method and apparatus operate without need to temporarily disconnect or alter the first or second conduit segments. The invention operates with both variable and fixed flow systems, and is especially useful for both active and passive solar energy systems.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the Wobbe index of a fuel gas belonging to a family of gases. The method includes measuring mass flow rates the fuel gas and of a reference gas, which is not necessarily a fuel gas at respective absolute pressures and temperatures and in a sonic flow through a microjet. An evaluation of the Wobbe index (W) of the fuel gas as W=A×Y+B uses the results of measurements of the fuel gas and the reference gas and is established for all the gases of the family considered.

Abstract: The invention particularly concerns a method for evaluating the Wobbe index of a fuel gas (G1) belonging to a given family of gases.

Abstract: To measure the flow rate of coolant through a cooling hole of a film-cooled part, a transient thermal response of an external surface temperature of the film-cooled part is measured and the transient thermal response is characterized mathematically. From the mathematical characterization, the flow rate through the film hole is determined.

Abstract: A dummy pattern is constituted by frame-shaped first patterns formed on a flat substrate so as to surround a resistance heater and a fluid temperature resistance thermometer, and frame-shaped second patterns formed on inner perimeter sides of the first patterns, edge portions of first and second diaphragm portions being positioned between the first patterns and the second patterns.

Abstract: A water bath accommodating a calorimetric bomb (2) for measuring the combustion heat of substances with the aid of a calorimeter. The inner tank (3) is enclosed by an outer container (5) forming a water jacket and is shielded from the environment. If several measurements are conducted subsequently, the water found in the inner tank (3) and heated above its initial value through the combustion process taking place in connection with a previous measurement can be at least partially transferred into the outer container (5) with a second or other succeeding measurement prior to conducting it so that at least a part of the combustion heat of the preceding measurement can be used for heating up at least the water jacket in the outer container (5) in connection with the next measurement. Consequently, energy for tempering the water in the water jacket and/or in the water bath can be saved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the winding temperature (TW) of the stator winding of a three-phase AC motor, in particular a pole-changeable asynchronous motor. For determining the winding temperature (TW) of the stator winding of three-phase AC motors that have an unfavorable ratio of the active power to the dissipation power and react sensitively to temperature changes and changes in a main voltage, and for readily determining the heat dissipation power (PV) from the winding temperature (TW) of the stator winding, it is proposed to determine the reference temperature (TG) and the motor current (IM) simultaneously at consecutive points in time, and to determine the winding temperature (TW) by calculating step-by-step sequentially the change in the winding temperature (TW) at a point in time (tn) and adding this change to the winding temperature (TW) of the immediately preceding point in time (tn−1).

Abstract: A device for monitoring heat transfer systems. A non-heated temperature sensor is used to determine the approximate temperature of a flowing fluid being monitored. A heated temperature sensor is exposed to and is thereby cooled by the flowing fluid being monitored. A flow measurement is made using a flow sensor and the heat transfer from the heated temperature sensor to the flowing fluid is determined. An electrolytic means is provided for chemically altering the environment of the heat transfer surface of the heated temperature sensor to determine its use or effects for testing, operation and maintenance of the heat transfer system and also the device. A hot tap insertion flow probe configuration is presented which includes a cost effective miniature magnetic flow sensor using permanent magnets.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the temperature of a flowing liquid includes a molded plastic fitting having a stream divider extending across a liquid flow passage. A temperature sensor encapsulated in the stream divider senses the temperature of a liquid stream flowing through the passage as the stream is split to flow past the stream divider.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the temperature of a flowing liquid includes a molded plastic fitting having a stream divider extending across a liquid flow passage. A temperature sensor encapsulated in the stream divider senses the temperature of a liquid stream flowing through the passage as the stream is split to flow past the stream divider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a more direct approach to determine the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat of a fluid of interest, independently of the amplitude of the sensor output. This is preferably accomplished by measuring one or more variable phase or time lags between selected input and output AC signals, and directly deriving the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat therefrom. Such derivation is therefore less dependent than amplitude-based sensors on occasional or unpredictable drift in sensor resistive elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the BTU content of a gas includes a source of combustion air, a detector and a sample loop or tube connected to a six-port switching valve. The switching valve allows accurate and repeatable quantities of the gas to be obtained and mixed with the combustion air. In a second embodiment, the apparatus includes a second switching valve to obtain samples of the gas at a second pressure and calculate the BTU content at the second pressure. By measuring the BTU content at two different pressures, a quantity related to the volumetric flow of the gas between the two pressures can also be calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining steam quality wherein heat is added to or removed from a sample flow of steam to reach a point of superheating or subcooling. The amount of energy required to superheat or subcool the sample is factored in with other parameters such as steam flow rate, temperature and pressure to determine the quality of the steam. The steam quality sensor has many applications in equipment such as turbines, heat exchangers, condensers and the like.

Abstract: A steam flow meter provided with a steam flow rate detecting device and a steam pressure and temperature detecting device.

Abstract: A method for correcting the flow measurement of a gaseous or liquid fluid of interest for changes in the composition and temperature of that fluid in a flowmeter of the hot element type is disclosed in which an uncorrected flow value signal for the fluid of interest in relation to a hot element sensor output is corrected by applying a first correction factor to the output based on certain unique physical parameters of the fluid of interest which nominally include thermal conductivity, k, specific heat, c.sub.p, and temperature, T, obtaining an uncorrected flow measurement value from the corrected output and obtaining the corrected flow measurement by applying a second correction factor to the uncorrected flow measurement value based on the certain unique physical parameters.

Abstract: Is-enthalpic temperature control of the operation of the thermal printing head of a thermal printing device is attained by use of a transfer area at the head to transfer heat from the head to a coolant fluid moved by a fluid mover across the transfer area at a flow rate controlled by a circuit on the basis of a sensor that measures the flow rate of electrical energy being fed to the head, and sensors that sense the mass flow rate of the fluid and its rise in temperature upon flow across the transfer area for determining the flow rate of energy being removed from the head. The circuit controls the fluid mover to adjust the fluid flow rate so that the net energy in the head remains substantially constant.

Abstract: Using the method of this invention, the performance of a heat exchanger is determined by measuring the heat transfer capabilities of an individual tube. A relatively small reservoir of service fluid is connected to the inlet and outlet ports of a tube. The reservoir is provided with a heater or chiller and the service fluid is circulated through the tube. When a steady state is reached, the heat transfer characteristics of the tube are measured using known mathematical relationships.

Abstract: There is provided a differential thermal analysis calorimeter for performing thermal hazard testing procedures which can be utilized as an ancillary plug-in device with commercial thermal analysis data acquisition systems. Simultaneous measurement of heat flow of sample reactants and direct measurement of sample pressure is provided during a reaction within a substantially hollow furnace enclosure defining a heated zone having a heated top plate. A pair of longitudinally elongated heat conductive sample and reference tubes having upper and lower ends are each connected to the top plate adjacent their respective upper ends. The tubes depend downwardly from the top plate within the hollow furnace enclosure, and are heated by the heating means, whereby heat is conducted to the lower end of each tube longitudinally therealong. A pressure transducer is connected adjacent the upper end of the sample tube for directly measuring the pressure in the sample tube within the heated zone of the furnace.

Abstract: A heat circuit comprises an initial conduit containing a flow medium and a return conduit. A choke element located in a conduit such as the initial conduit of a heat circuit serves to control the flow of the flow medium. The choke element has several active positions in which openings having differently sized cross-sections are inserted into the path of flow. The choke element is moved by a drive so that a particular position of the choke is active. A differential pressure sensor measures the presure difference before and after the choke element. A computer resposive to the differential pressure sensor controls the drive so that a particular cross-section of the choke element takes effect and the flow of the medium is measured with sufficient precision over a wide measuring range. The inventive arrangement may also include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature difference between the initial and return conduits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and monitoring critical parameters of a chiller, such as the chiller efficiency. Specifically, temperature and pressure sensors are disposed in the inlet and outlet lines of a condenser and chiller unit. A sensor is also placed on the compressor motor for determining the amount of power being expended by the motor. The actual flow rate of the chilled water entering and leaving the chiller unit is calculated based upon the sensor inputs. The actual kilowatts per unit ton rating for the evaporator is determined. The design kilowatts per unit ton rating for the evaporator is corrected to take into account any variation between the actual motor voltage and design motor voltage, and the total temperature deviation. The chiller efficiency is then calculated based on these two kilowatt per ton ratings.

Abstract: Temperaature sensors at the inlet and outlet of a heat exchanger are utilized in the disclosed apparatus to measure the temperature of the fluid and to ascertain the the time taken by a localized gradient in heated or cooled fluid to pass through the heat exchanger at the start of a heating or cooling episode in order to obtain the flow rate of fluid through the heat exchanger; a representation of the flow rate is stored; and thereafter, during that heating or cooling episode, the stored flow-rate representation is utilized in deriving flow-rate and energy transfer measurements.

Abstract: Heat transfer between a surface and an environment, such as a steam/air mixture in a pressure vessel, is determined by directing heat transferred to the surface to a location away from the environment by use of a heat pipe. The heat content of the working fluid of the heat pipe is determined by causing a fluid to flow through a jacket encircling the condensation part of the heat pipe and measuring the mass flow of the fluid and the temperature change. The method is particularly useful in determining heat transfer coefficients for use in safety analysis for pressurized water reactor power stations.

Abstract: A waste heat reclaimer takes in hot waste gases from stacks or flues, associates them with a primary flow of water, heating the water and cooling the gases. The heated water flows through a heat exchanger transferring that heat to a secondary flow of water. A logic and control unit receives signals from sensors located in the sources of the waste gases, the delivery system of the gases, and the two flows of water. These signals are used to give warnings of insufficient flows, insufficient heat energy gains, and to control the sources of the gases, and to provide the operator with other indications which permit him to obtain more efficiency from the unit while devoting less attention to it.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring temperature by using a state change of a working fluid, a temperature measurement is executed in a manner such that the working fluid is initially supplied at a constant mass flow rate into a flow channel having a throttle portion at a temperature-sensitive portion. Upon the measurement of a pressure difference between opposite ends of the throttle portion, the temperature can be determined through a calculation using the measured pressure difference. The temperature measuring apparatus includes a source of a working fluid and a probe. The probe includes an external cylinder closed at one of its ends and an internal cylinder which is accommodated in the external cylinder and has a capillary tube at its forward end. The apparatus further includes a supply tube for introducing the working fluid from the source into either the internal cylinder or the external cylinder, and a pressure control device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the energy transfer across a heat exchanger having an upstream side and a downstream side and mounted within a conduit through which fluid flows, the system including an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves through the conduit on the upstream and downstream sides of the heat exchanger, an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasonic waves on the upstream and downstream sides of the heat exchanger, the receiver providing signals indicative of the temperature difference between the fluid upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger and the velocity of fluid flow through the conduit and a processor connected to the receiver for determining energy transfer between the heat exchanger and the fluid based upon the signals indicative of the temperature difference and the velocity.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the rate of sheet dissipation from a load immersed in a flowing fluid includes an upstream and downstream transducer. These transducers are located upstream and downstream of the load for providing an upstream and downstream signal signifying the temperature of the fluid upstream and downstream, respectively, of the load. A flow transducer is located in the flow of the fluid for providing a flow signal signifying the flow rate of the fluid. A processor is coupled to the flow transducer and the upstream and downstream transducer for providing a power signal proportional to the flow signal and to the difference between the downstream and upstream signal.

Abstract: A regulating arrangement intended for supplying heat to a confined space, including a heating source (13), a regulating means (12) intended for regulated heat supply from the heating source, a device for detecting one or a plurality of measurement values and connected (12a, 12b) to the regulating means, which in dependence on received measurement values regulates the amount of heat delivered by the heating source. The regulating means (12) is controlled (10b) by a device arranged to detect the actual heating requirement of the ventilation air at that moment in time, or for detecting a part of this heat requirement.There is also provided an arrangement or a device for establishing when the requirement to heat an air mass to achieve a pre-determined temperature increase exceeds a pre-determined heating requirement and by how much, by causing the air mass an energy delivering means (4) and establishing the energy taken-up by the air mass and the heat content of the mass at that moment in time.

Abstract: A system for determining the flow rate and temperature of air moving through a duct including a sampling or sensing head for sampling the air moving through the duct, a flow rate sensor connected to the sensing head for providing an output signal relating to the flow rate of air moving through the duct based upon the sampling of that air, and a temperature sensor connected to the sensing head for determining the temperature of the air moving through the duct based upon the sampling of the air moving through the duct.

Abstract: Energy transmitted to a load in a fluid medium is measured utilizing a probe having an elongate heat transmitter that includes a sensing tip at one end, a heat exchanger at its opposite end, a thermal impedance forming at least a segment of the heat transmitter, and temperature sensors spaced apart along the impedance. The temperature of the sensing tip is maintained different from that of the sensed fluid. A read-out is responsive to the temperature sensors and it is calibrated in terms of the energy content of the fluid flowing in the sensed passage. Corrections for various factors of error are incorporated in the read-out. A relative simple yet reasonably accurate measure is made of the energy in steam, where the heat exchanger of the probe is a passive heat dissipator.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of steam flowing in a line used for steam injection, e.g. in an oil well. It has a vertical loop in the line, with an orifice in the up-flow side. The pressure, temperature and pressure drop at the orifice are measured before and after injecting a stream of water upstream from the orifice. The water stream is injected at a constant flow rate, and its temperature and pressure are measured. Using the measurements before and after the introduction of the water stream, simultaneous equations are developed related to the mass flow rate and to the heat flow rate, so that the steam quality may be determined.

Abstract: A calorimeter for the measurement of a quantity of heat given up by a fluidic medium in at least one heat exchanger, with an impellerless flow velocity measuring device as well as temperature sensors for determining the forward flow-return flow temperature difference, including a multiplier for forming the product from the flow velocity and the forward flow-return flow temperature difference; and also a quantizer for the formation of a pulse train having a frequency which is proportional to the product, as well as a cumulative counting device for the pulses of the pulse train connected to the output thereof.

Abstract: A boiler blowdown heat recovery system is described herein which includes conduit means for directing the blowdown water and fresh water through a heat exchanger, and metering and display means are included for showing the volumetric flow of the blowdown water and the fresh water and also the energy in BTU's transferred to the fresh water. The present invention provides a distinct, packaged system which is readily mounted to a steam boiler or the like, and in a particular embodiment also includes a flash tank to provide for the recovery of additional steam from the blowdown water prior to passing the water through the heat exchanger.