Application of Advanced Fiber Optic-Based DTS Technology to Dense Thermal Profiling of HTS Power Cables

Through the application of advanced Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology, SensorTran proposes to develop a system solution for the Navy for thermal path measurement and monitoring along significant lengths of HST cables. Fiber optic-based sensors are immune from EMI, offer measurements at every point along the cable, and can be embedded in the cable itself – meaning the data source is very close to the asset being monitored (not clamped on to the outside of the asset). SensorTran will provide a comprehensive solution that (1) includes advanced DTS technology that can account for and dynamically adjust temperature readings from fiber that has strain and/or bend-induced losses (2) includes application-specific fiber-embedded HTS cables featuring minimal optical losses and special bulkhead penetrators that provide a means to bring the fiber out of the cable while still isolating the cryogenic fluid. SensorTran proposes to apply their experience with fiber optic wellhead penetrations in high pressure environments (i.e. oil wells) to the development of cryogenic bulkhead pentrators.