Nanocomposite Fiber Optic Sensor Array for Multi-Parameter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber sensor technologies face challenges in developing low-cost, multi-functional sensors capable of simultaneously monitoring temperature and hydrogen, as well as other reducing gas species and hydrocarbons, for electrical asset health monitoring, particularly in power transformers, due to high costs of advanced optical components and limited ability to retain critical advantages of the technology platform.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost optical fiber sensor array using multi-wavelength interrogation combined with multiple sensor elements along a single optical fiber, incorporating nanocomposite thin films such as Pd/SiO2 and Au/SiO2, and a zeolite nanoblock filter layer for simultaneous detection of temperature and hydrogen, with the potential to monitor additional parameters like CO and CH4, utilizing a coreless optical fiber and multimode fibers for enhanced sensitivity and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If advanced optical components are used to achieve multi-parameter sensing capability, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor elements (temperature sensor, hydrogen sensor, and other gas sensors) along a single optical fiber into an integrated array system. This merging approach enables simultaneous multi-parameter sensing while using a shared interrogation system, reducing overall device complexity and cost compared to using separate sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sensor array is designed with universal applicability for monitoring multiple parameters including temperature, hydrogen concentration, and other reducing gas species. The system uses a single interrogation unit that can detect various parameters through different sensor elements, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized equipment for each measurement type.
2Device complexity
If multiple sensor elements are integrated along a single optical fiber to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for individual parameters may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple sensing zones with different sensor elements positioned at specific locations along the fiber. Each sensor element is optimized for detecting a specific parameter (temperature, hydrogen, other gases), allowing precise individual measurements while maintaining a cost-effective integrated structure. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an interrogation system that acts as an intermediary to process signals from multiple sensor elements. This intermediary system separates and analyzes the optical signals from different sensor locations, ensuring that measurement precision for individual parameters is maintained even though multiple sensors are integrated on a single fiber.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sensor technologies are used for temperature and gas detection, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to electrified environments and multiplexing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical sensors with optical fiber-based sensors that are inherently compatible with electrified environments. The optical fiber technology eliminates issues related to electrical interference and safety concerns in high-voltage environments, while maintaining ease of manufacture through established optical fiber fabrication techniques. The system also provides multiplexing capability to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously.
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 solution enables real-time, cost-effective monitoring of multiple parameters, including temperature and hydrogen, with improved sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for early detection of incipient failures in transformers, thus preventing catastrophic failures and extending the life expectancy of transformer assets.
Implementation Method 1
Palladium (Pd) based thin films have been applied to optical hydrogen sensors. In the presence of H2, both the real and imaginary part of the Pd-complex refractive index changes and produces optical signals.
Implementation Method 2
Gold (Au) nanoparticles based sensing material showing a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption peak has also been explored in various sensing applications. For example, the LSPR absorption peak of Au—TiO2 film has been monitored as a function of temperature up to 850° C.
Implementation Method 3
A variety of sensor-based technologies that are currently under development exhibit great potential for continuous monitoring of dissolved gases and temperature in real-time without disrupting the transformer operation. Particularly, sensors using the fiber optic platform has become very intriguing
Implementation Method 4
A double-layer structure consisted of a Pd—SiO2 sensing layer and a zeolite nano-blocks filter layer has been constructed on optical fiber for sensitive and selective measurement of H2 at room temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for forming a low cost optical sensor array. The sensor includes an optical fiber; a first nanocomposite thin film along at least a portion of the optical fiber for interrogating a first parameter through a correlated signal having a first wavelength; and a second nanocomposite thin film along at least a portion of the optical fiber for interrogating a second parameter through a correlated signal having a second wavelength different from the wavelength of the first parameter.