Method, sensor and system for measuring a lower heating value and a wobbe index of a gaseous fuel

摘要

A method for measuring a lower heating value of a gaseous fuel. The method includes mixing a gaseous fuel with air to provide a combustible air-fuel mixture. The air-fuel mixture is directed to flow across a flow surface of a first micro-hotplate maintained at a constant temperature. A change in power required to maintain a constant temperature of the first micro-hotplate flow surface due to a convective and conductive heat transfer from the first micro-hotplate flow surface to the air-fuel mixture is measured. The air-fuel mixture is directed to flow across a flow surface of a second micro-hotplate maintained at a constant temperature. The air-fuel mixture is combusted as the air-fuel mixture flows across the second micro-hotplate flow surface. A change in power required to maintain a constant temperature of the second micro-hotplate flow surface due to the combustion of the air-fuel mixture is measured.