After our recent post on Renewable Energy & Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS), we want to follow up with a more comprehensive overview of the role of fiber optics in renewable energy. Renewable energy (or regenerative energy) is a sustainable energy source that is practically inexhaustible.
Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy. In all these areas of application, fiber optic technology has a significant role. Fiber optic contributions range from FIMT (Fiber in Metal Tube) to various sensing technologies, such as Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS), increasing efficiency and safety in energy production.
DTS is the standout contribution from fiber optics when speaking of Renewable Energy. The state-of-the-art technology measures heat development in cables and provides accurate and real-time information on whether more energy can be allowed to flow through.
Wind Power
DTS increases the efficiency of electricity-generating wind turbines, which is an essential factor in all renewable energy sources. In addition to improving performance, DTS also helps implement a warning system that relays real-time data regarding the temperature of the cable, preventing any risk of the cables overheating.
Distributed Temperature Sensing’s precise monitoring shows how much energy the cable can still withstand, preventing overload. In addition, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) enables monitoring the transmission of the entire construction, detecting dysfunctions long before they even occur.
Solar Energy
The fiber optic monitoring of PV panel temperatures is an integral element in sustaining the performance and maximizing the productive life of solar PV panels. Solar panels use FBGs for sensing to monitor the temperature of the system. Advanced fiber optic sensors are more accurate, have a more comprehensive range, and have a very high sampling rate compared to other temperature sensors.
Geothermal Energy
The Geothermal Energy process pumps cold liquid into the earth, then heated by geothermal energy before resurfacing. Temperatures can reach up to 400°C via this method.
We have a range of downhole products immune to high temperatures and challenging environments. These cables are more than capable of measuring the high temperatures reached via the geothermal energy processes.
- Loose tube FIMT: By integrating SMF and MMF fibers in a loose tube configuration, in-situ distributed temperature and acoustic sensing allow for most precise, real time readings of the critical well parameters. 4D seismic minitoring allows for maximizing pump rate before critical seismic levels occure.
- Tight buffered FIMT: A tight buffered fiber inside a metal tube enables distributed strain sensing and in combination with a loose tube configuration, a temperature compensated measurement (DTSS).
- Armouring tubes in the sizes from 0.125″ up to 0.25″ can be choosen and are based on customers specifications.
- Flat pack designs: Freely configurable flatpacks with up to 4 elements with or without bumper. Material selection and grades are based on the max. operational temperature and can go up to 260°C for designs with polymer and up to 300°C without polymers.
Hydropower
Hydroelectric power generation is a well-practiced and environmentally-friendly method of generating electricity. All damns, however, can be vulnerable to damages and cracks, and issues such as these can quickly become dangerous and expensive.
Our FIMT solutions for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) make all the difference. It detects minor cracks, damages, leaks, and irregularities at the earliest stage, so any problems can be rectified before they become dangerous or expensive.
The Future of Renewable Energy
As discussed in this post, the role of fiber optics in renewable energy is vast. Still, we are only beginning to scratch the surface of its true potential. As green initiatives become more popular, the demand for innovative solutions will further increase.
We are constantly developing more efficient products at our R&D Center, from Sensing Solutions such as Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) to our extensive range of customizable cables. Get in touch today to speak to one of our experts.
