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An improved soft sensing method for measuring the liquid amount inside cylinders of ionic compressors based on pressure reconstruction

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  • Su, Jiaqi
  • Kang, Xiang
  • Zhang, Wanling
  • Liu, Zekun
  • Lv, Yuan
  • Li, Yun

Abstract

Ionic compressors are promising for application in the field of hydrogen energy. The ionic liquid (IL) amount inside the cylinder affects the volumetric efficiency and the real p-V diagram. However, the current measurement method requires drilling holes in the cylinder to install sensors, leading to hydrogen leakage and stress concentrations. This paper proposed an improved soft sensing method, revealing the quantitative relationship between p-V data and IL amount. In-cylinder pressure is reconstructed from hydraulic pressure, enabling non-destructive monitoring of IL amount. A method is presented to calculate reciprocating friction forces and correct the reconstruction results. A lumped parameter model (LPM) was established, serving as a reference for comparative analysis with the experiment. The comparison shows a 2.53% error in in-cylinder pressure between measurement and reconstruction. The real p-V diagrams obtained from simulation and experiment exhibit an 8.71% error in in-cylinder pressure, confirming the reliability of the proposed soft sensing method. This research overcomes a fundamental sensing bottleneck, providing an essential tool for the condition monitoring, performance optimization, and intelligent management of ionic compressors.

Suggested Citation

  • Su, Jiaqi & Kang, Xiang & Zhang, Wanling & Liu, Zekun & Lv, Yuan & Li, Yun, 2026. "An improved soft sensing method for measuring the liquid amount inside cylinders of ionic compressors based on pressure reconstruction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 347(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:347:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226005128
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kang, Xiang & Liu, Zekun & Wu, Guangyu & Yang, Chengjiong & Li, Yun, 2025. "A novel method for measuring liquid amount inside cylinders of ionic compressors based on soft sensing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
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    5. Kazemi, Shabnam & Nor, Mohamad Iskandr Mohamad & Teoh, Wen Hui, 2020. "Thermodynamic and economic investigation of an ionic liquid as a new proposed geothermal fluid in different organic Rankine cycles for energy production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    6. Kang, Xiang & Liu, Zekun & Feng, Shiyu & Lv, Yuan & Li, Yun, 2025. "An improved lumped parameter model for calculating piston motion of ionic compressors under pneumatic and hydraulic systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
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