System for Designing and Evaluating Chemical or Biological Agent Sensor Networks

The current state-of-the-art (SOA) process for designing chemical and biological sensor networks at facilities is slow, expensive, and requires highly skilled subject matter experts to complete. Toyon Research Corporation proposes a radically different approach to the SOA process, which will be faster, more affordable, and accessible to non-expert facility operators. Using the proposed approach will help break down the barriers of cost and subject matter knowledge encountered today by the facility operators in government and commercial sectors. Removing these barriers will better enable the development investments of DHS and private industry in sensor technologies to protect many more critical infrastructure and key asset (CI/KA) facilities. The proposed system consists of a suite of testing technologies, bringing together (1) mature sensors used for HVAC testing and balancing applications, (2) the latest developments in tracer test materials and the detection equipment, and (3) SOA methods for wireless data communication. The test equipment will transmit data wirelessly to a central ¿nerve center¿ that presents real-time situational awareness, and also contains algorithms for interpreting and analyzing data ¿on the fly¿. The proposed system makes tracer testing less labor intensive, is designed for the stringent environmental conditions characteristic of CI/KA facilities, and will be demonstrated in full-scale buildings within the Phase I or II development cycle. Toyon¿s broad background in this area makes them well-suited for designing this system. Notable relevant experiences include tracer testing, designing protective architectures for chemical, biological and explosive threats, evaluating CB sensor technologies, designing affordable wireless networks for building applications and developing command-and-control software. Developing this system strengthens Toyon¿s position as a ¿one-stop¿ system architect for designing protective architectures for chemical, biological and explosive threats. Potential commercialization opportunities include any commercial or government CI/KA facility, or organizations such as DHS with the charter to protect them.