New technic for cost efficient dam monitoring

Important results from the project

In this pre-study, Vattenfall and RISE worked towards finding more cost-effective fibre-optic based solutions for dam monitoring. Lab work, real-time measurement in Vattenfall test facilities and a technical workshop gathering experts from different fields allowed us to refine the sensing concepts (fibre sensing system, fibre cable) required for from a more “cost-effective” solution. In particular, we worked on a fibre-optic cable concept, dedicated to dam monitoring and integrating smarter data processing in the sensing system.

Expected long term effects

For more cost-effective dam monitoring, one can: use a cheaper hardware but with increased data acquisition frequency combined with some smart processing (pattern recognition and artificial intelligence). A real-time measurement was performed at Vattenfall test dam based on this concept. The initial results were promising, and we see potential in using smarter fibre sensor systems. develop and fabricate custom-made fibre cables, more sensitive to leakage detection to improve or enhance the sensing signal from the cables.

Approach and implementation

To achieve our goals, these tasks were performed: 1.Finding common innovative solutions: organisation of a technical workshop with experts in different fields to combine ideas and converge to a common solution. 2.Design/Test phase: real-time measurements at the test dam were performed to test sensing parameters and concepts, design of a custom-made fibre-optic cable for cost-effective monitoring. 3.Analysis: Evaluation of the feasibility of the proposed concepts, and what is required for a further R&D project.