A novel self-powered method for Pipe Flow measuring

This paper presents a novel "Self-Powered Pipe Flow Metering System (SPPFM)" with the functions of measurement, analysis and display incorporated with self-powering. The features of vortex flow metering and pipe flow generator are adopted simultaneously to develop this integrated system. In this system, the pipe flow drives the rotor of a generator to power the measuring unit itself. Thanks to the system, only small part of the flow power is converted into electricity to obsolete the replacement of batteries or to eliminate the lengthy electric supply wires all together. The reading of SPPFM was adjusted with an accredited commercial flow meter for the purpose of background calibration. Major parameters including power needed and power generated under different flow rate are investigated. Based on the results of the experiments, feasibilities of the system are discussed. A commercial flow meter was used to calibrate this SPPFM system and the results of such a calibration are presented in the paper. A technique to achieve both goals using single generator hardware is explained. It was seen from the experiment that the SPPFM system would produce more electric power than the basic needs for an embedded digital measuring unit, leaving rooms for growing features such as wireless communication, graphic display and data storage.