As part of ongoing developments in advanced airflow measurement, the combination of a Bernoulli ring and a high-precision differential pressure sensor represents a promising method for non-intrusive and highly reliable flow sensing. This approach has significant potential for improving both accuracy and cost efficiency across a range of airflow monitoring applications.
Principle of operation based on the Bernoulli effect
The Bernoulli effect describes the inverse relationship between air velocity and static pressure in a moving fluid. When airflow passes through a constricted or curved region, its speed increases and the local static pressure decreases. In the Bernoulli ring configuration, the ring is mounted just above the blower’s bellmouth inlet, leaving a small gap between the ring and the inlet surface. As air is drawn into the blower, a slight under-pressure forms within this gap. Our SDP8xx differential pressure sensor measures the pressure difference between this gap and the ambient inlet side, producing a signal directly proportional to the airflow rate. This setup enables accurate, non-intrusive measurement of flow without physically obstructing the air stream, minimizing the risk of clogging and reducing maintenance requirements.
Sensor technology and measurement characteristics
Our SDP8xx sensor is particularly well-suited for this application due to its high sensitivity in low-pressure environments and its robust CMOSens™ thermal flow technology. The sensor integrates signal conditioning, temperature compensation, and digital calibration in a single compact device, ensuring precise differential pressure measurements over a wide dynamic range with minimal drift. The absence of moving parts guarantees long-term stability and reduces the need for recalibration or frequent maintenance.
System integration and calibration
The measured differential pressure is continuously converted into volumetric or mass flow values using a calibration model based on the system geometry and air properties. The compact, moldable geometry of the Bernoulli ring allows easy integration into blower housings, ducts, or ventilation units. Its design naturally limits contamination ingress, and optional low-cost filter rings can further enhance robustness in dusty or particle-laden environments.
Applications and benefits
This approach provides a scalable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional flow measurement methods such as anemometers or volumetric meters. It is applicable in HVAC systems, where precise airflow monitoring can improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality, in industrial fans and blowers, where consistent flow supports predictive maintenance and process optimization, and in automotive applications, where accurate measurement of air intake or exhaust contributes to improved engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Reliable foundation for next-generation systems
By combining a simple geometric principle with a highly sensitive solid-state differential pressure sensor, the Bernoulli ring concept provides a technically elegant and reliable foundation for next-generation airflow measurement systems, delivering robust performance and high accuracy while minimizing maintenance and operational complexity.
