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Low-Complexity Ultrasonic Flowmeter Signal Processor Using Peak Detector-Based Envelope Detection
DOI:10.3390/jsan14010012.png)
Abstract
En
Ultrasonic flowmeters are essential sensor devices widely used in remote metering systems, smart grids, and monitoring systems. In these environments, a low-power design is critical to maximize energy efficiency. Real-time data collection and remote consumption monitoring through remote metering significantly enhance network flexibility and efficiency. This paper proposes a low-complexity structure that ensures an accurate time-of-flight (ToF) estimation within an acceptable error range while reducing computational complexity. The proposed system utilizes Hilbert envelope detection and a differentiator-based parallel peak detector. It transmits and collects data through ultrasonic transmitter and receiver transducers and is designed for seamless integration as a node into wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The system can be involved in various IoT and industrial applications through high energy efficiency and real-time data transmission capabilities. The proposed structure was validated using the MATLAB software, with an LPG gas flowmeter as the medium. The results demonstrated a mean relative deviation of 5.07% across a flow velocity range of 0.1-1.7 m/s while reducing hardware complexity by 78.9% compared to the conventional FFT-based cross-correlation methods. This study presents a novel design integrating energy-efficient ultrasonic flowmeters into remote metering systems, smart grids, and industrial monitoring applications.
Keywords:
remote metering
wireless sensor network (WSN)
ultrasonic flowmeter
low-complexity signal processing
energy efficiency
time-of-flight (ToF)
Journal
IF:
4.2
Papers:
610
Citations:
1.6K

