AN Flow 001

Constant Temperature
Anemometer (CTA)

V
3
.
0
-
1
2
/
2
0
0
8

General Description
Thermal mass flow modules and measuring systems are well-known devices that are offered
in a wide range of products by a handful of suppliers in the marketplace. Most of these de-
signs are compact, ready to use systems with an inlet and outlet, and a channel including a
passive or active output. These modules are sufficient for many general purpose appli-
cations where component price and size are less significant, but they are not well-
suited for price-sensitive and limited-space flow control solutions. In such instances,
IST thermal mass flow sensor elements offer considerable solutions.

The most populary anemometer is the Constant Temperature Anemometer (CTA). Its func-
tion is well described by the Kings Law:

( ) T v B A R I P
n
H H H
A + = =

2
5 . 0 ... 3 . 0 = n

By converting and simplifying this equation we obtain this formula:

= U CTA-output
n
v k U U

+ = 1
0
=
0
U free convection offset
= k fluidic depend constant
= v

fluid velocity

Thus, the output is determined by an offset (
0
U ), an offset dependant slope of the curve, and
the fluidic dependant gain value( ) k .
Here,
0
U represents the value of constant temperature difference ( T A
)
between the heater
and fluid. Strictly speaking, the controller of a CTA keeps the resistive structure at a constant
temperature. So, different passivation thicknesses and flow element surfaces impact the
CTA characteristics, even a deviation in the heat transfer coefficient (o ). The characteristics
depend not only on sensor alignment/orientation and fluid type, but also on fluid temperature
and sensor contamination (such as dust).

So the equation for a still fluid is:

( )
n
v k U T A

+ A 1 ~
2
0 0
o | =
n
v

2
0 0
~U T A A o


That means each deviation of CTA-characteristic, caused by free convective parameters like
0
o can be compensated by a
0
U -adjustment at 0 = v

. In order to calibrate the k -value

(fluidic-caused errors) more than one point is necessary. But, fluidic-caused errors mostly
depend on mechanical alignment deviations of the sensor mounting. If mounting errors can
be determined by module construction, a one point calibration provides good results for
many applications.
AN Flow 001
Constant Temperature
Anemometer (CTA)

V
3
.
0
-
1
2
/
2
0
0
8

4, 7. . 10Mohm
R7
out
Q1
2N2219
+
TLV27LI
U1
+12V
500
R5
R8
15k
Heat er Pt 1200
R3
140
R2
1. 3k
R1
52

Circuit
The schematic below shows a simple feedback circuit for temperature regulation of flow sen-
sors heater. The temperature sensor Pt1200 on chip is for compensation of medium temper-
ature variation.


Example of flow measuring curve




















For each case it is necessary to perform tests in order to determine the best resistor selec-
tion for the flow sensor. For gas applications, a medium temperature difference of about 30K
on the heater is recommended. For liquids, a medium temperature difference in the order of
10K will suffice. Using this temperature difference, R3 is determined by the following equa-
tion:

T R R
o
A = o
3
o =0.003902K
-1


Ro=1200 Ohm

With R5 and a short circuit at R3, the bridge can be balanced at flow =0. The output of U1
should be adjusted to a minimum value. After replacing the R3 short circuit, the output goes
to its offset voltage depending on free heat convection from sensor to medium.

The R7 resistor is placed for stability of anemometer circuit. Depending on used OpAmp it
should be valued from 1,1 to 3Mohms. The OpAmp should be a low input bias current
type. (about some pA)

2.5
2.7
2.9
3.1
3.3
3.5
3.7
3.9
0 1 2 3 4 5
Flow velocity [m/s]
B
r
i
d
g
e

V
o
l
t
a
g
e

U
_
B
s

[
V
]
1,1.3MOhm
AN Flow 001
Constant Temperature
Anemometer (CTA)

V
3
.
0
-
1
2
/
2
0
0
8


Designing flow channel









Considering the picture above, using a flow channel for a well-performing flow measurement,
it is important to have a laminar flow profile passing the sensor. To provide that by the chan-
nel construction, some parameters must be calculated or previously known.

The picture below shows the flow profile development across a flat plate.
























Laminar boundary layer
Xl
Laminar
sublayer
Plate
Flow profile
transition area
Turbulent
boundary layer
XT
X

c

c

c
0.99

c
0.99

c
l
o
t
o
u
o

lS
t
tS
US
Kr Kr
L S
Laminar area
Turbulent area
AN Flow 001
Constant Temperature
Anemometer (CTA)

V
3
.
0
-
1
2
/
2
0
0
8



Here a certain distance X
l
from leading edge S is needed to have nearly a fully developed
laminar flow profile. This is the required position of flow sensor behind the leading edge S
where the flow meets the plate. The value
l
o describes the thickness of laminar boundary
layer at distance X
l
from leading edge S.


That is also the minimum deepness of flow channel. Together with Reynolds Number (Re),
and depending on the flow velocity and Re(critical) <300000 a PCB flow channel can be
calculated.

=
x c
Re c=flow velocity, x=distance , =density, =dynamic viscosity

Example: sensor position 30mm behind leading edge, flow velocity 10m/s, medium =air
Solution: Minimum depth of channel =1mm




More Examples for sensor mounting











Duct mounting flow probe


Customized channel / pipe with Flow sensor




24.09.2010
Flow pipe
FS5
Thin film ceramic
flow sensor
x h d
c
v x x
lam
x
lam

= =

o o . . 5
Re
5