Sensible Photonics Awarded Three Department of Energy Grants for Advanced Technology Development

Pittsburgh, PA - July 22, 2024 - Sensible Photonics has been awarded three Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), totaling $600,000 in funding to advance the technology development across our optical fiber sensing technologies for energy storage, distribution transformer and nuclear assets. Phase 1 grants will be used to advance maturation, feasibility demonstrations, and eventual commercialization of these technologies.  Our partnerships with both the University of Pittsburgh and North Carolina State University will accelerate technology development and deployment.

Driving Innovation in Energy Asset Monitoring

The awarded grants will support the development of three key projects:

1. Stationary Energy Storage - Reliable Optical Fiber Sensing System for Early Warning of Failure in Energy Storage Systems

   
   

   Sensible Photonics is developing a sensor system that can deliver significant benefits to the stationary energy storage market based upon multi-parameter cell- and module-level sensing approaches.  These features are integrated into a simple, easy-to-use, and cost-effective sensing system. Sensible Photonics’ fiber optic technology addresses physical measurements that cause the batteries to fail, avoiding the unanticipated costs and enabling broader deployment of a wide range of clean energy technologies and renewables through safe, cost-effective, and reliable grid storage.

   
   

2. Distribution Transformer - Distribution Transformer Asset Health Prediction and Lifetime Extension via Integrated Real-Time Sensing and Advanced Analytics

   
   

   Focused on providing insights into distribution transformer health and longevity, this grant enables us to use our optical fiber sensing technology for incipient failure detection and predictive lifetime analysis of distribution assets. Our solution will leverage multiparameter sensing capabilities to deliver valuable information to our customers. The DOE's investment in this project underscores the challenges associated with distribution transformers today, including long lead times and a lack of available, cost-effective sensing solutions. Through collaborations with University of Pittsburgh, Sensible Photonics will leverage Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center, which has existing facilities including low and medium -voltage transformers, to pilot our solutions, ensuring they are perfectly engineered for the application.

   
   

3. Nuclear Energy - Commercialization of AI-Enhanced Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Technology for Real-Time Monitoring of Dry Cask Storage Systems

   
   

   Safely disposing of spent nuclear fuel remains an important aspect of safe and reliable nuclear power generation, with current storage solutions increasingly relying on dry cask storage systems.  However, storage canisters are susceptible to corrosion due to environmental factors, and would benefit from advanced monitoring and inspection technologies. To address this, our project builds upon prior work supported by the Office of Nuclear Energy at the University of Pittsburgh and leverages advanced distributed acoustic optical fiber sensing and artificial intelligence to develop and validate real-time monitoring technologies for detecting corrosion and other high-risk conditions in nuclear spent fuel canisters. The project aims to demonstrate and commercialize these novel sensing technologies, providing a crucial tool for ensuring the safe, long-term storage of nuclear waste and enhancing overall structural health monitoring in the nuclear sector.

A Step Forward for Sensible Photonics

 “We are thrilled to receive funding from the Department of Energy for our SBIR projects. This support is validation of our innovative fiber optic sensing technology and its potential to revolutionize real-time monitoring solutions for the energy storage, distribution transformer, and nuclear spent fuel markets - improving safety, reliability, and efficiency.” said Nick Frank, Chief Commercial Officer at Sensible Photonics.

“Utilities are faced with infrastructure, economic and supply chain challenges.  The increased demand for electricity on the distribution grid along with an aged infrastructure necessitates more robust and reliable measures to positively impact utility operations. This SBIR award for our Distribution Asset sensor technology will provide the capability to detect imminent failures that will ultimately enable longevity of utility distribution assets and fulfill greater demands for electricity.” said John Belechak, Senior Investigator at Sensible Photonics.

“These exciting projects will play a major role in transitioning technologies that were originally developed under prior Department of Energy support at the University of Pittsburgh and the National Energy Technology into commercially viable solutions.  Ultimately, technology transfer and successful realization of the true societal impact of these developed technologies is the goal of Sensible Photonics product development efforts and we are looking forward to what the future will bring,” said Paul Ohodnicki, RK Mellon Faculty Fellow at University of Pittsburgh and Co-Founder of Sensible Photonics.

About Sensible Photonics Inc.

At Sensible Photonics Inc., we envision a world free from catastrophic power equipment failures through our advanced optical fiber monitoring solutions. Our innovative technology, developed over more than a decade through collaborations with the University of Pittsburgh and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), offers early detection of potential failures in critical grid assets such as distribution transformers and energy storage systems. Recognized with prestigious awards including the R&D 100, CalTech Rocket Fund and ARPA-E, our solutions provide a comprehensive sensing platform that delivers real-time insights into temperature, chemical, and strain conditions. Designed to reduce risks and enhance operational efficiency, our simplified fiber optic sensors are ideal for monitoring distribution transformers and energy storage systems, ensuring a more reliable and safer energy infrastructure. Based in Pittsburgh, Sensible Photonics is committed to advancing technology that supports the longevity and health of energy systems, enabling utilities and industries to operate with greater confidence and reduced risk.

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Media Contact

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