SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Hydrogen is being pursued as a sustainable energy carrier for fuel cell electric vehicles and as a means of storing renewable energy at municipal utility-scales. Adding hydrogen to natural gas can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the hydrogen added is produced from low-carbon energy sources such as biomass, solar, wind, nuclear, or fossil resources. Unfortunately, the potential risks of transporting hydrogen using the existing natural gas pipeline network include gas buildup and explosion threats to property and life near natural gas transmission pipelines. There is a critical need to provide “real-time” hydrogen monitoring capabilities for natural gas/hydrogen blends throughout the Nation’s natural gas transportation and storage pipeline infrastructure. Oceanit proposes to develop Hydrogen Detection using an Intelligent Optical Sensor (HyDIOS) for “real- time” monitoring of hydrogen concentrations within a pipeline-quality natural gas stream throughout the transportation infrastructure for efficient end-use. The concept of HyDIOS is built on the combination of Oceanit’s unique NERRO artificial intelligence (AI) chip and an inexpensive miniaturized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. HyDIOS will facilitate a more comprehensive set of sensing capabilities, which will allow for continuous unmanned monitoring of natural gas blends, pipeline efficiency, and hydrogen delivery. During Phase I, Oceanit will develop a unique sensor interface technology for improving hydrogen detection and monitoring within the existing U.S. natural gas pipeline system. This research and development will enhance understanding of hydrogen blending and the proper and safe hydrogen concentrations. Phase I proof of concept will lay the foundation for advanced testing, material refinement, the addition of AI, and small-batch HyDIOS production through Phase II effort. In Phase II, Oceanit will move from laboratory-scale proof of concept experiments to field simulated testing with a national lab and eventual deployment to study long-term performance using multiple sensors over a larger geographical area. The technology will also be valuable to various fields, including electronics, medical, domestic, space, oil and gas, automotive industries, where reliable continuous “real-time” chemical monitoring is required. Other benefits include safety to lives and property, environmental, and economic development.
