Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPMDynamic gas quality requires innovative measurement technology
The composition of the gases distributed through the German and European supply networks continues to change significantly. Diverse supply sources, as well as the increasing injection of biogas and hydrogen, lead to significant fluctuations in gas composition, with regular deviations from DVGW specifications. Combined with an uneven distribution within the network, these changes cause gas compositions to become increasingly volatile at the point of use. Consequently, the need for precise, robust, and cost-effective sensor and measurement technology increases for industrial consumers as well as network operators.
Currently available technology can only meet these requirements to a limited extent. While gas chromatographs offer the highest accuracy for billing purposes, they are expensive, require extensive maintenance, and do not always deliver process control data quickly enough. More cost-effective alternatives, such as calorimetric methods or correlative calorific value determination using various parameters, still lack the necessary precision or require a laborious combination to cover all relevant gas components.
Clearly, there is a need for new, innovative measurement solutions: systems that accurately, quickly, and cost-effectively determine gas quality and composition while also being easy to install and operate.
Modular sensor system for universal measurement of gas properties
The aim of the MEGASENS project is to develop a universally applicable gas analyzer that can accurately determine the composition of current and future combustion gases regardless of the type of gas. The system is designed to directly and reliably derive key parameters essential for process control and combustion regulation, particularly the calorific value and the Wobbe index.
MEGASENS's basic concept consists of combining three novel sensor modules based on IR absorption spectroscopy and thermal conductivity measurement. These modules' measurement signals are evaluated using an AI-supported mathematical model. The system determines the relevant concentration fractions of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in the gas composition. A mathematical model then combines all the measured values to calculate the calorific value and the Wobbe index.
Affordable and portable system for a wide range of applications
The gas composition determined by the sensor system provides the basis for the process control systems that manage and optimize plant operations. The portable, simple-to-use system can be calibrated on-site. It correlates plant parameters and emission values with the temporal progression of the supplied fuel gas composition. The calibratable version of the system can be used for billing and tracking the calorific value. The cost-effective installation of multiple measuring devices with long-term recording capabilities makes it possible to track the calorific value in the gas network.