Sensors & Electronics
Macro Property Measurement
Heating/Cooling System Air Flow Sensor (417)
Problem: Need precision measurement of air flow in HVAC ducts, including effects of non-uniform and reverse flows.
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart):
Measurement & Analysis Method Development through Measurement & Analysis System Applications
PNNL Solution:
- The effective speed of sound equals the speed of sound in the gas plus the gas flow rate
- Acoustic measurement integrates flow over the duct cross section
- High accuracy demonstrated for low and high flow regimes and bias, turbulent, and swirl flow conditions
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Knowledge of HVAC system configurations and measurement requirements; acoustic measurement technologies (sources, detectors, measurement configurations, etc.); develop electronics and software for signal processing and frequent data acquisition and reporting (1-Hz data rate for test system); testbed development, including sensor module and representative HVAC ducting with variable air flow; sensor module evaluation for comparison with baseline measurement methods; data analysis.
Selected Links to Related Information:
- Similar Application Examples (Same or Different Technology)
- Related Websites
Contact: Morris Good
