Measurement & Control Technologies
Next-generation fluid measurement
At Yamatake we are developing a next-generation fluid measurement technology (TIDAS) that represents a departure from the conventional concept of the electromagnetic flowmeter.Specifically, this revolutionary technology enables the detection of more than just flow rate by measuring not only the electromotive force that is proportional to flow rate (as detected by a conventional electromagnetic flowmeter), but also the induced electromotive force generated by the variable magnetic field. This facilitates flow rate compensation and detection of fluid condition.
By positioning the coil and electrodes at an offset along the pipe axis, it is possible to detect not only the electromotive force that is proportional to flow rate but also the electromotive force induced by the variation in magnetic field. The latter electromotive force is insensitive to flow rate; instead, it contains information regarding the magnetic field and the actual state of the fluid. By extracting data on this electromotive force, it is possible to use this information to implement flow rate compensation and to determine the condition of the fluid.
While offering the same advantages as the conventional electromagnetic flowmeter, including the absence of moving parts and easy maintenance, this technology is expected to play a role in a variety of new applications:
- Measurement of liquids with low conductivity
- Simultaneous measurement of fluid level and flow rate when a pipe is less than 100% filled
- Measurement applications requiring fast response
- Simultaneous measurement of flow rate and bubbles in the fluid
- Measurement of deposits lining a pipe
Evaluation technology of thermal environment, energy-saving and controlling
Development Development of HVAC control and operating method to achieve energy-efficient and thermal comfort able air conditioning in large spaces
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 Figure 1: The temperature and relative humidity profiles during year in the larger space (April 2001 EApril 2002) *Click to zoom |
This research project is aimed at developing and establishing control strategies and improvements to operating methods so as to achieve optimum heating and air conditioning, offering a comfortable indoor environment while keeping energy consumption to a minimum. Referring to the temperature and humidity standards recommended by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) as well as the standards set by the Act for Maintenance of Sanitation in Buildings (AMSB) in Japan, we have utilized BEMS (Building and Energy Management System) data to evaluate the adequacy of the thermal environment, energy consumption and HVAC control for entrance halls and similar large spaces (see Figure 1).
We have tested and verified several practical approaches to thermal environment evaluation, measuring the amount of ventilation and CO2 concentrations (see Figure 2), and obtaining information via questionnaire responses from people who use these buildings regarding how they feel about the thermal sensations inside such spaces. Furthermore, based on our findings, we have now proved that it is possible to make significant energy savings by adopting such methods as cutting off outdoor air (OA) intake, making appropriate temperature settings, and the passive ventilation during the intermediate season.
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 Figure 2: Measurement of the larger space's amount of ventilation |
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 Figure 3: Energy savings achieved by cutting off OA intake and making appropriate temperature settings *Click to zoom |
Airflow/pressure measurement & control (critical environment control)
Yamatake has for many years been researched indoor environmental quality control technology mainly for commercial buildings. Recently, the technology is more enhanced to meet clients' detailing requirement.A successful experiment is critical environment control in laboratories, hospitals and factories – are rooms where air quality like temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, and purity is perfectly controlled for safety and quality assurance
Temperature and humidity control technology has been advanced in commercial buildings, semiconductor plants and so on. Meanwhile, the airflow control and pressurization has technical I issues to be challenged, because airflow dynamics is complex phenomena.
To challenge the issues, Yamatake research strategy is to apply advanced engineering theories (fluid mechanics, distributed constant modeling, etc.) and conduct enough experiments to validate the theories. At Yamatake's test facilities featuring full-scale mockups of research labs (chemical and zoological laboratories, and a clean room; see Figure 4), we conduct fundamental experiments including variable-air-volume (VAV) control and the visualization of air currents, the use of tracer gases, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as well as application oriented research focusing on the control of room pressure and local exhausts.
 Figure 4: Yamatake's critical environment research facilities |
PID control algorithms, PID parameter tuning
This research project focuses on the PID control algorithms embedded in the temperature controllers produced by Yamatake's Advanced Automation Company, and also on PID parameter tuning, which is a related technology. PID control algorithms can be broadly divided into control algorithms that improve response in process control, and multi-loop coordination algorithms for the linked operation of multiple control loops. A notable achievement of our research work into PID parameter tuning is the PID simulator, which enables the easy and precise tuning of PID parameters.More information on PID control algorithms & PID parameter tuning >>
Frequently multi-loop control is employed for the PID control of the manufacturing equipment and processes used by modern industry. However, depending on the facilities and equipment being used, there can be severe interference between loops. If the control of one loop affects another loop, this can lead to overall disturbance of the system. Multivariable control is one of the technologies that can be used for such control systems involving multiple inputs and outputs.
In our search for a multivariable approach to temperature control, we are especially focusing on robust multivariable control algorithms. Based on H¥ robust control theory, this approach will enable the design of multivariable control systems using parameters that express expected time response characteristics for process control – such as a time constant and overshoot value for each control variable in a closed-loop system.
 Figure 5: H∞ robust multivariable control based on transient response characteristics |
Fuel cell control system research
Fuel cells are expected to become common in future, and Yamatake is developing technologies to ensure their high efficiency and high reliability, making use of our core capabilities in measurement and control.With the cooperation of its various business divisions, Yamatake is developing and assembling various elemental technologies for food waste processors that will enable in-situ eco-friendly recycling that puts only a small burden on the environment.
Already we have developed a waste degrading process that employs Yamatake's control technologies; this makes it possible to use the recycling residue directly as fertilizer. Currently we are working to develop technologies that will enable lost-cost deodorizing with reduced energy consumption.
Biometrics is the name given to the cutting-edge access technologies that have been attracting attention in recent years with the increasing role they are playing in practical applications for bank ATMs, etc. Drawing on Yamatake's own image processing technology, POC (phase only correlation), our researchers are developing a range of biometric technologies such as fingerprint recognition. At present, we are conducting joint research with Tohoku University into one of the most promising biometric applications for identifying an individual – namely, iris recognition.
 *Click to zoom |
Design/evaluation of intellectually productive work environments
In recent years the speed of business processes has increased dramatically as a result of the spread of IT. Spurred by the immediacy of Internet communications, companies are now used to competing across nations and continents. Given these pressures, it is no exaggeration to say that employee mental health management and the assurance of qualitative/quantitative intellectual productivity are now critical issues for any company.At Yamatake, as part of our work on next-generation building systems, we are engaged in joint R&D projects with a number of universities and companies to establish technologies and methodologies aimed ultimately at creating office spaces that offer both a comfortable work environment and high productivity. This has meant extending beyond the confines of our traditional fields of expertise – thermal environment and facility management/services. Specifically, we are employing human engineering techniques to develop technologies for vital volume measurement for the identification/evaluation of factors contributing to the rationalization of the office environment with the aim of raising intellectual productivity. Furthermore, we are developing ways in which to put these results to practical use in the design and remodeling of offices.
Wireless sensor networks are thought to be one of the technologies that will facilitate the “ubiquitous network society” of the future. They will play an extremely important role. At Yamatake's R&D Headquarters researchers are therefore focusing on technologies for such wireless sensor networking.
R&D on new types of networkR&D on wireless sensor modules
- High-reliability mesh networks
- Long-distance multihop networks
- Plug & play ad hoc networks
R&D on wireless evaluation/measurement tools
- Compact high-frequency device
- High-sensitivity, low-cost PCB antenna
- Low power consumption wireless technology
- Power-saving communications protocol
- Power-saving wireless circuit
- Low component cost
- Network visualization tool
- Radio transmission measurement tool
- Protocol analysis tool
<<R&D projects
