Abstract
Using fiber sensor networks, distributed information can be gathered even from places that are difficult or even impossible to be reached by other means. However, so far, such distributed fiber sensing networks are not capable of providing access to distributed chemical information along the fiber. In particular, highly selective and sensitive information on the concentration of various gases along the fibre cannot be obtained on a routine basis despite being desirable and needed in many different application scenarios. It is therefore tempting to explore the potential of integrating innovative optical gas sensing nodes along optical fibers, towards their massive deployment in existing telecom infrastructures. New developments in optical gas spectroscopy have opened up new prospects for remote gas sensing applications, addressing the limitations of current analytical methods in terms of sensitivity, ease-of-use and miniaturization.Using fiber sensor networks, distributed information can be gathered even from places that are difficult or even impossible to be reached by other means. However, so far, such distributed fiber sensing networks are not capable of providing access to distributed chemical information along the fiber. In particular, highly selective and sensitive information on the concentration of various gases along the fibre cannot be obtained on a routine basis despite being desirable and needed in many different application scenarios. It is therefore tempting to explore the potential of integrating innovative optical gas sensing nodes along optical fibers, towards their massive deployment in existing telecom infrastructures. New developments in optical gas spectroscopy have opened up new prospects for remote gas sensing applications, addressing the limitations of current analytical methods in terms of sensitivity, ease-of-use and miniaturization.
Nevertheless, there are important challenges to overcome before such a joint use of the fibers network for both communication and gas sensing becomes possible. GASPOF addresses these challenges, contributing to the development of the optical infrastructure of the future, where the communications network also acts as a large-scale distributed multi-parameter sensor. Focus will be put on two different optical techniques for gas sensing using the fiber-optics network: laser-based PTS and LHR. Both techniques will be advanced and integrated with the existing optical fibers network infrastructure. In parallel, we will investigate the possibility of using coherent OTDR for distributed gas sensing, while a reduced-cost approach for acoustic sensing will also be designed for measuring physical parameters of interest (e.g. vibrations) in addition to gas sensing. The GASPOF system configurations will demonstrate their performance and capabilities in important 4 application use cases.Nevertheless, there are important challenges to overcome before such a joint use of the fibers network for both communication and gas sensing becomes possible. GASPOF addresses these challenges, contributing to the development of the optical infrastructure of the future, where the communications network also acts as a large-scale distributed multi-parameter sensor. Focus will be put on two different optical techniques for gas sensing using the fiber-optics network: laser-based PTS and LHR. Both techniques will be advanced and integrated with the existing optical fibers network infrastructure. In parallel, we will investigate the possibility of using coherent OTDR for distributed gas sensing, while a reduced-cost approach for acoustic sensing will also be designed for measuring physical parameters of interest (e.g. vibrations) in addition to gas sensing. The GASPOF system configurations will demonstrate their performance and capabilities in important 4 application use cases.
GASPOF Concept
Objectives
Objective 1: Develop the optical-fiber-based PTS sensing modality
The goal is to develop optical gas sensing nodes, pluggable to telecom fiber networks. Among the different spectroscopy techniques for gas sensing, only PTS and Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy can accommodate advantageously for very short plugs. Moreover, PTS has the additional advantage of all-optical operation.
Objective 2: Develop the LHR sensing setup
The objective is to develop the architecture of a distributed sensing system for atmospheric composition analysis with high spatial resolution. For this purpose, we will design a high performance LHR system that will be accompanied by a network of multiple sunlight collection points distributed in the area of interest. The sunlight captured at the different measurement points will be delivered to the LHR instrument using the fiber optic network.
Objective 3: Exploit the fibers as physical parameters sensors and evaluate CC-OTDR-based gas sensing
The objective is to develop strategies to extend capability of the Coherent Correlation OTDR (CC-OTDR) fiber sensing system, that currently detects acoustic signals, temperature and strain, to indirectly detect gases.
Objective 4: Seamlessly integrate the chemical & physical sensing modalities with the telecommunications fibers and infrastructure
The objective is to integrate CC-OTDR-based physical parameters sensing with fiber-aided spectrometer gas sensing (LHR/PTS) into a fiber telecommunication network. A smooth coexistence of these approaches is intended.
Objective 5: Validate the system in relevant case studies
The sensing systems developed in objective #1, #2 and #3 that will be integrated with the fiber network infrastructure in objective #4 will be tested in relevant environment through diverse case studies
Objective 6: Widely communicate results and facilitate large-scale results adoption
Wide-scale but also audience-specific communication actions are planned. A task is dedicated to the collaboration with the EC, the DIHs, the PPP and related projects for implementing an action plan for results’ uptake. We will also be working towards standardisation of the proposed approach to facilitate industrial exploitation.
Work Packages
WP1 – Project Management
It is the Management work package. This is an umbrella WP, running throughout project lifetime. WP1 coordinates the project tasks, milestones, and deliverables, and ensures compliance with EC financial and administrative procedures.
WP2 – Preparation; User & application requirements, conceptual design
WP2 is the Preparation work package. The specific requirements for the systems to be developed for the different use cases will be here gathered and analysed in detail. Stakeholders and technology users will also be engaged in this process. The results will also be used to prepare the first conceptual designs of the sensors and system to be developed. Preparatory activities in this WP also include the identification of existing reference datasets and sensor networks for the GASPOF system validation. The use cases and the use of GASPOF in them will also be described in detail. It provides important input in all other technical WPs (WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6).
WP3 – Fiber-based laser photothermal spectroscopy for gas sensing
WP3 is responsible for the design and development of the fiber-based, Photothermal spectroscopy method and its use for distributed gas sensing. This includes the work on the sensor setup comprising FP microcavities, active and passive sensing nodes, ultra-compact beam combiner of new mid-IR laser (QCL) along with the development of modulation and locking schemes for distributed, sensitive and long-term stable multiple gas sensing.
WP4 – Optical fibers-enabled LHR for gas sensing
WP4 is responsible for the design and development of the GASPOF LHR method and sensor. The overall sensing setup will be here developed, including the necessary electronics and data analysis models and algorithms.
WP5 – Physical parameters sensing, OTDR-based sensing and sensors integration with telecommunications infrastructure
WP5 is responsible for the integration of the sensing modalities with the Telecommunications network and infrastructure, but also for the development of the physical parameters’ sensors, exploiting and advancing OTDR methods. OTDR-based methods for gas sensing are also explored through this WP. The WP is strongly linked to the work carried out in WP3 and WP4.
WP6 – System integration and validation
WP6 is the overall System integration and validation work package. Validation takes places in different stages, starting with lab validation of the individual components and moving on to validation in controlled and application relevant settings. It uses the outcomes of the previous technical WPs and delivers important assessment and validation reports, which will also be exploited in WP7 for data-driven dissemination and interaction with stakeholders and standardisation working groups.
WP7 – Dissemination & Exploitation
WP7 is the Dissemination, Communication, Networking/Clustering & Exploitation work package, which is an umbrella WP running throughout project lifetime. It includes continuous, tailored communication of project results towards the different stakeholders. Exploitation of project results, data management and open distribution of knowledge is also part of this WP. Emphasis is given to synergies/clustering with other projects and initiatives.
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