Autonomous quasi-distributed optical fiber temperature sensor for ground temperature measurements (SPILOD)

Autonomous quasi-distributed optical fiber temperature sensor for ground temperature measurements (SPILOD)

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Consortium InPhoTech Sp. z o.o. (LIDER), Maria Curie Skłodowska University, Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences became the beneficiary of the project entitled “Autonomous quasi-distributed optical fiber temperature sensor for ground temperature measurements” Acronym: SPILOD, as part of the Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020 3/4.1.1/2019  Joined Venture named “Lublin Upland of Photonic Technologies” implemented by the National Centre for Research and Development.

Total funding: 7 450 915,10 PLN

Project Manager representing IA PAS: Prof. Andrzej Bieganowski

Duration:  24 months

This project’s aim is to develop a unique autonomous optical fibre based system for distributed ground temperature measurements that will enable remote sensing of this key parameter with unprecedented precision, resolution and range. The goal of the project is to create and verify technology of ground temperature measurements with a dedicated device consisting of an opto-electronic system called an interrogator and a specialty optical fiber serving as a sensing element. Innovative fiber design will provide better temperature sensitivity and measurement precision. Tasks proposed in this project also include designing and verification of the installation process, shields and safeguards against influence of unwanted environmental factors (strain, water ingression etc.), as well as formulation of measurements methodology and data analysis algorithms for proper description of ground’s thermal dynamics.
Success of this project will allow the Leader of the consortium to carry out necessary development works leading to expansion of InPhoTech’s commercial portfolio of fiber-based sensors by offering of a novel device for ground temperature measurements. The device under consideration will find its use in climate change and ground properties’ research conducted by scientific and meteorological institutes. For the first time they will be equipped with live, high resolution data with large coverage of the ground (incl. permafrost, glaciers etc.) that will allow them to create more accurate climate and weather change predictions influencing regions spanning from polar circles to farmlands. Another anticipated group of clients will be farmers themselves, who are genuinely interested in low-emission, high efficiency farming techniques that can be optimised in response to daily and yearly changes of local ground conditions. Considerable market is also envisaged in form of private companies providing soil science services.

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