Semi-constant temperature excitation method for fluid flow sensors

摘要

Excitation power to fluid flow measurement sensor is applied in such a way so as to maintain some part of the sensor elements at a constant temperature relative to the ambient fluid temperature and some part of the sensor elements to change its temperature with fluid flow which results in a sensor output that remains constant and linear with per unit flow. This semi-constant temperature sensor excitation scheme results in higher sensor output, added sensor range and temperature insensitive flow measurement. Therefore, this sensor excitation method negates the drawbacks of smaller and non-linear output and/or thermal runaway that are associated with other excitation methods.