Ohio State University's reference-free potentiometric oxygen sensor capable of withstanding temperatures of 1,600 °C.

Novel Sensors and Advanced Process Control 

Novel Sensors and Advanced Process Control are key enabling technologies for advanced near zero emission power systems. NETL’s Advanced Research Program is leading the effort to develop sensing and control technologies and methods to achieve seamless, integrated, automated, optimized, and intelligent power systems.

Today, the performance of advanced power systems is limited by the lack of sensors and controls capable of withstanding high temperature and pressure conditions.  Harsh environments are inherent to new systems that aim to achieve high efficiency with low emissions. In addition, these systems are complex, with operational constraints and system integration challenges that push the limits of traditional process controls. As R&D enhances the understanding of these evolving advanced power systems, it is clear that new, robust sensing approaches, including durable materials and highly automated process controls, are needed to optimize their operation and performance.

The Advanced Research Program supports research to develop:

• A suite of high-temperature, harsh environment sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and other process variables;
• Novel sensors to measure synthesis gas (e.g hydrogen), flue gas constituents (e.g. nitrogen oxides), and trace contaminants (e.g. mercury); and
• Advanced process control strategies for near-zero emissions in processes such as gasification and chemical looping.

Virginia Tech's single crystal sapphire optical fiber temperature sensor.

NETL’s AR Program in Sensors and Controls reflects industry needs and works closely with stakeholders and partners to outline issues and emerging trends. NETL has sponsored workshops in 2002, 2006, and 2007  to ascertain measurement and control needs, define the state-of-the-art in these technology areas, forecast sensor and control needs for the coming years, and identify R&D priorities to ensure that key technologies will be available to meet the demands of future advanced power systems.

NETL Sensors and Controls research has yielded a number of success stories to date, among them:

• A new, robust, accurate temperature measurement system that can withstand the harsh conditions found in commercial gasifiers for an extended period;
• A field-portable kit for screening halogenated volatile organic compounds from soil and water samples, providing a streamlined method for testing redevelopment sites for environmental contamination.