New fiber optic sensor technolgy for continious flow measurements for hydro power applications and other high flows

Important results from the project

The overall objective of the project was to have gained knowledge about the applicability and added value of a new technology for flow measurement intended for hydropower applications and identified its need for further development. This has been achieved by developing prototype sensor cabling and reading systems evaluated at Vattenfall. These show the concept´s technical feasibility and where further development is needed. The commercial value of the technology for both sensor suppliers and end users has been calculated. This justifies further development in an FoI project.

Expected long term effects

In principle, all performance targets have been achieved by developing physical sensor cable prototypes and readout systems, which have also been evaluated in varying water flows. This demonstrated that the concept on which the project is based works. It also provided valuable information on the areas in which the technology must be further developed, which will affect the activities in a future FoI project. The project has also resulted in the industrial applicability and its commercial potential being concretized.

Approach and implementation

The project has largely been carried out according to the set plan, apart from certain delayed tests and unfinished physical meetings due to the pandemic. Tests been mainly done by RISE and Vattenfall. The results have been continuously presented during update meetings every week. This has in principle worked well and according to plan, but more physical meetings between the parties would have been positive for the project.