System-theoretical analysis and modeling of pulsed thermal Time-of-Flight flow sensor

A system-theoretical model of an air flow sensor based on the principle of pulsed thermal Time-of-Flight (TTOF) is described. The region of interest (ROI) in the pipe flow is regarded as a linear time-invariant (LTI) system with an input and output signal. Based on the experimental results the simulation model is created and applied for analysis of different input signals and system's responses with respect to the flow velocity. Experimental and simulated results are compared in an air flow velocity range between 0.1 m/s and 0.7 m/s.