Abstract
We present finite element method (FEM) simulations of a thermal flow sensor as well as a comparison to measurement results. The thermal sensor is purely based on printed circuit board (PCB) technology, designed for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Design and readout method of the sensor enables the possibility to measure the flow velocity in various fluids. 2D-FEM simulations were carried out in order to predict the sensor characteristic of envisaged setups. The simulations enable a fast and easy way to evaluate the sensor’s behaviour in different fluids. The results of the FEM simulations are compared to measurements in a real environment, proving the credibility of the model.
Highlights
Introduction and MotivationHeating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, domestic hot water, lighting, and their appliances account for the most of the overall energy consumption of nowadays buildings
Based on the simulated results at the four sensing leads for each fluid material, temperature differences for each flow velocity, heating power, and fluid material are calculated. This temperature difference is the sum of the inner sensing lead temperatures minus the sum of the outer sensing lead temperatures: ∆T = ( TUI + TDI ) − ( TUO + TDO )
We presented 2D-finite element method (FEM) simulations of a printed circuit board (PCB)-based thermal flow sensor
Summary
Introduction and MotivationHeating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, domestic hot water, lighting, and their appliances account for the most of the overall energy consumption of nowadays buildings. The heater lead supplies the sensor system with heating power. The auxiliary sweep changes two parameters: the inlet flow velocity vas well as the heating power PH .
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