Bascom Hunter Technologies, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 01b

Description

For the smart grid in the power industry, a key to achieving maximum efficiency is the optimization of processes using advanced computational tools and real‐time performance monitoring. These approaches will improve system reliability and lead to cost saving throughout the industry. However, most of the equipment, especially the sensors, must operate in a highly noisy environment subject to significant signal interference. To realize the desired efficiency, there is a demand for high-fidelity communication links capable of transmitting large data rates between the instrumentation and control sites. The proposed research develops an innovative approach to the smart grid sensor network using fiber-optics. This fiber-optic approach is robust to the electromagnetic interference, while providing data rate increase and bandwidth expansion, as well as maintaining signal integrity. The work will include the design of a complete communication link for sensors in the smart grid. The communication link will use active interference techniques to eliminate environmental noise and enable high computing functions and full automation control. For the future smart grid in the power industry, the key to achieving maximum efficiency is to optimize processes using advanced, high performance computational tools and to conduct online, real‐time performance monitoring. A fiber-optic based sensor network using active interference cancellation is a unique solution that will realize the optimal smart grid. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Smart grid technologies are bringing transformative changes to electrical systems. These technologies increase reliability and efficiency, resulting in reduced outages, optimized demands, and integrated distributed resources. The proposed technology using active interference cancellation techniques provides unprecedented noise suppression over wide signal bandwidths. In addition to providing high fidelity signals, the technology will enable the sensor network to transmit and process much larger data throughput. This technology will be applicable to more than just sensor networks; it can also be extended to networks in the telecommunication industry.