Sensible Photonics Wins R&D 100 Award

Pittsburgh, PA – August 22, 2023 – Sensible Photonics, along with collaborators from the National Energy Technology Laboratory and University of Pittsburgh, announced today that it’s been awarded the prestigious 2023 R&D 100 Award in the IT/Electrical category for its integrated fiber optic sensing technology. The R&D 100 Awards, sponsored by R&D World Magazine, recognizes the 100 most innovative technologies of the previous year.

Transformer Watchman

The Transformer Watchman is an advanced fiber optics-based sensor system designed to continuously and simultaneously monitor dissolved gases, acoustics, and temperatures in transformers. This integrated solution provides real-time alerts and early warnings for potential hazards. Fiber optic sensors offer distinct advantages for power grid monitoring, including resistance to electromagnetic interference, extended reach, compact size, flexibility, and enhanced safety compared to traditional electrical sensors.

“The Transformer Watchman is based upon a portfolio of intellectual property and technology development that goes back more than a decade and it has been supported through numerous DOE-funded programs, including the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium, Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, Office of Electricity, Office of Nuclear Energy, and the Solar Energy Technology Office and others,” said University of Pittsburgh’s professor and co-founder of Sensible Photonics, Paul Ohodnicki, Ph.D., one of the developers.

About R&D 100

Established in 1963, the R&D 100 Awards is the only S&T (science and technology) awards competition that recognizes new commercial products, technologies and materials for their technological significance that are available for sale or license.

The R&D 100 Awards program identifies and celebrates the top 100 revolutionary technologies of the past year. Past R&D 100 Awards recipients include established Fortune 500 companies and federally funded research institutions, as well as academic and government labs and smaller companies. Their leading products, technologies and services will make a difference in a wide range of industries and together represent a bright future for science and innovation in the years to come. Current and past winners share in the pride of achievement and global recognition that an R&D 100 Award offers.

 About Sensible Photonics Inc.

At Sensible Photonics Inc., we are dedicated to envisioning 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 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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