Characteristic Evaluation of the Flowmeter using the Wells Turbine for Measurement of Respiration

Abstract

A new turbine flowmeter for measurement of respiration using a bi-directional air turbine, the Wells turbine, which is suitable for wave energy conversion is proposed. Characteristics of the turbine flowmeter have been experimentally evaluated using a test equipment simulating respiration. As the result, following conclusions were obtained: Using this turbine flowmeter, the measurement of the period and the respiratory rate of respiration is possible. The possibility of univocally obtaining a flow rate of an unsteady flow from the value of an angular velocity and acceleration of the turbine’s rotation was shown by using the characteristic curve beforehand made.