Cost-Effective Solutions for Underwater Ultrasonic Flow Rate Sensors in Renewable Energy Applications - an Appraisal

Precise measurement of underwater fluid flow rates plays a critical role in diverse applications within the realm of smart technologies for power and renewable energy (PRE), including monitoring tidal energy infrastructure, optimizing hydropower generation, and safeguarding sensitive marine ecosystems. However, the high cost of traditional ultrasonic flow rate sensors hinders their widespread adoption in these applications. This paper critically analyzes recent advancements in underwater ultrasonic flow rate sensors, emphasizing novel cost-effective strategies and approaches specifically tailored for PRE applications. The paper classifies sensors based on their operating principles (transit-time, Doppler, and correlation) and delves into fundamental concepts, practical considerations, and recent developments. Notably, it identifies key challenges like material costs, transducer design complexity, and signal processing inefficiencies, ultimately limiting cost-effectiveness. The paper then explores potential solutions such as utilizing cheaper materials, employing innovative transducer designs, and implementing efficient signal processing techniques to address these challenges. Furthermore, the paper delves into ongoing research efforts and future directions aimed at further optimizing sensor performance and cost-efficiency for broader adoption within the dynamic field of smart power and renewable energy.