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Τhe New Generation of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors for Critical Infrastructures

Project description

First-of-its-kind fibre-optic device extends sensing range to over 100 km

Distributed acoustic sensing systems based on Rayleigh scattering use fibre-optic cables to measure absolute strain along a single- or multi-mode cable. The EU-funded HECTOR project is supporting Spain-based company Aragon Photonics Labs in developing a disruptive distributed acoustic system that extends the sensing range to more than 150 km. The HECTOR system will be the first-of-its-kind that is robust, smart thanks to integrating predictive and adaptive algorithms and accurate down to 3 m. It will also be adapted adaptable to any type of control software and will be three times more cost-efficient than current competing solutions.

Objective

HECTOR is a new generation of distributed fibre optic sensing systems, under the Rayleigh scatter principle, offering smart monitoring solutions based on optical fibre for numerous markets.

Traditional monitoring sensors (.e.g geophones, cameras) present specific limitations as they rely on discrete sensors measuring at pre-determined points. Thus, new monitoring and surveillance technologies were developed based on the distributed fibre optic sensing technology. However, the existing DAS (distributed acoustic sensing) and DTS (distributed temperature sensing) systems present two unambiguous drawbacks. They have a limited sensing range (maximum 70-80km) and quite high CAPEX (~€150,000, excl. software). On top of that, existing companies mainly focus on the defense and oil & gas industries, having neglected others (e.g. road infrastructure).

To face these needs, we developed HECTOR, our pioneering smart fiber optic sensing device. Through our unique proprietary extensors HECTOR is the only device in the world, able to extend the sensing range of more than 150km. We also managed to integrate DAS/DTS systems into a unique device and create a market expertise, in currently unexploited fields (road infrastructure, earthquake detection). Apart from tech advancements, our innovation constitutes a clear opportunity to extend the functionality of the already installed fiber network, without the need of replacing it, at a massively lower CAPEX/OPEX. Our final product is highly cost-competitive as it has an up to 3 times lower final price compared to competing solutions.

Aragon Photonics is a highly innovative technological company, expert in the development of test and measurements solutions in the fields of photonics and optical communications with its own facilities in Zaragoza.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

ARAGON PHOTONICS LABS SL
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
C/ PRADO 5
50009 Zaragoza
Spain

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Noreste Aragón Zaragoza
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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