| 摘要 |
<p>A method and apparatus for sensing the mass flow of a fluid and for generating an output signal representative of the sensed mass flow are shown to include a conduit formed from resistive material, a voltage source connected to a first point on the conduit, for providing a voltage to the first point in response to a control signal, a differential amplifier wherein the output of the amplifier is representative of the difference in voltage between a second point on the conduit and a third point on the conduit, and a controller for generating the control signal so that the voltage provided to the first point is regulated in relation to the flow of fluid through the conduit. In an especially preferred embodiment the resistive material is Nickel-52. In a further embodiment, the controller generates the control signal so that the voltage applied to the first point is regulated to maintain the average resistance of the conduit at a desired value. In one embodiment, the desired value is a constant value. In another embodiment, the controller generates the control signal so that the voltage applied to the first point is maintained at a desired value. In this last embodiment, it is preferred to compensate the output signal to account for the cooling of the conduit as the fluid passes therethrough. <IMAGE></p> |
