National Energy Technology Laboratory developing sensors for advanced energy applications

Scientists at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) are developing sensors that can withstand the harsh environments present in many advanced energy systems.

These sensors measure physical quantities like temperature and pressure and communicate them to electronic devices that are read by operators. They help energy systems operate more efficiently and assist with oil recovery and pipeline inspections.

“From pipelines to power stations, NETL is developing sophisticated sensors to see and hear inside the world’s harshest environments,” NETL said in a press release. “These advanced sensors will enable next-generation energy systems to operate at optimal efficiency and safety, enabling our nation to power prosperity on home-grown energy resources with sounds environmental stewardship.”

NETL is currently demonstrating fiber optic sensors in solid oxide fuel cell applications. These sensors are designed to provide information regarding the chemical and thermal processes occurring within the cell, which could be used to optimize operation and improve efficiency. NETL is developing the sensors to work in the elevated temperatures and highly reactive, hydrogen-containing environments found inside an SOFC.

These sensors could have application in other advanced power systems such as turbines and boilers.

Another sensor type, NETL’s laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system, enables continuous monitoring of gases, liquids, and solids in subsurface environments without the need for sampling. The device can provide information on the elements present in a given area.

These sensors could analyze water to determine whether it is safe to drink, assess downhole fluid chemistry before and after hydrofracturing to make sure that these operations do not harm the environment and take baseline measurements and monitor injection in carbon storage applications.

Another NETL sensor can measure corrosion in pipeline systems by measuring the rate of electron flow to and from a corroding surface. The device can measure the rate of corrosion and analyze the conduciveness of the surrounding environment to corrosion. The sensors can operate in high-pressure environments and avoid stopping pipeline operation for inspections.