Functionalized Fiber Sensing With TIA Interrogation at Lower Cost
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic sensing systems for monitoring parameters like temperature and gas concentration in electrical assets are costly due to expensive equipment and interrogation systems, making them prohibitive for low and medium-voltage electrical assets.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost fiber optic sensing system using a functionalized optical fiber with an engineered sensing layer, a low-cost light source, and a transimpedance amplifier circuit with wireless interrogation capability, enabling cost-effective and compact monitoring of parameters such as temperature, gas concentration, and magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fiber optic sensing systems are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex fiber optic sensors with simpler, cheaper alternative sensing elements that can be manufactured at low cost. The system uses off-the-shelf components rather than specialized expensive sensors, making the overall system economically viable for widespread deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of fiber optic sensing capability using different physical principles. Instead of using actual fiber optic sensors, the system uses a microcontroller with ADC, resistive divider circuit, and voltage reference to replicate the temperature sensing function at a fraction of the cost.
2Reliability
If distributed fiber temperature sensors are deployed, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential temperature sensing function from complex distributed fiber optic systems and implements it using simple discrete electronic components. By taking out only the necessary temperature measurement capability and implementing it through a microcontroller with basic analog circuitry, the system achieves reliable temperature monitoring without the complexity of fiber optic interrogation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical fiber optic system with an electrical/electronic system. Instead of using light propagation through optical fibers and complex optical interrogation, the system uses electrical resistance measurements with a microcontroller and simple analog circuitry to achieve the same temperature monitoring function.
3Measurement precision
If FBG sensors are fabricated, then internal temperature sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive custom-fabricated FBG sensors with inexpensive off-the-shelf temperature sensing components. The system uses a microcontroller with built-in ADC and simple external components that can be purchased readily and assembled without specialized fabrication equipment, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing parameter from optical wavelength (FBG) to electrical resistance (thermistor/RTD). This parameter change allows the use of simple electrical measurement circuits instead of complex optical fabrication and interrogation systems, making the sensing element inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a significant cost reduction, enabling deployment in commercial and industrial settings, with wireless communication allowing remote monitoring and integration into energy control systems, while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an interrogator including a photodetector coupled to the functionalized optical fiber based sensor to receive transmitted or reflected light
Implementation Method 2
a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuit coupled to an output of the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic based sensing system and method includes a. functionalized optical fiber based sensor including an engineered sensing layer, a light source structured to generate light and couple the light into an input of the functionalized optical fiber based sensor, and an interrogator including a photodetector coupled to the functionalized optical fiber based sensor to receive transmitted or reflected tight, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuit coupled to an output of the photodetector, a controller coupled to an output of the TIA circuit, and a transmitter (e.g., a wired or wireless transmitter) coupled to the controller.