Objective:
This project will provide a solution to the problem of arc faults in electrical switchboards on U.S. Navy vessels by utilizing the fiber optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology based on Raman scattering to monitor electrical switchboards in real-time to detect faults, isolate the location, determine the fault severity, and perform Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) before damage occurs.
Summary:
The project will configure, install, and operate a DTS system at the DDG 51 land facility in the Philadelphia Navy Yard to give Navy engineering personnel hands-on experience and provide valuable feedback on any modification required in preparation for the installation on an in-service vessel.
Key Deliverables / Benefits:
The DTS system as configured through this project will reduce the inspection time required for switchboards and eliminate the possibility of arc flashes. This effort will validate the system in a realistic simulation environment using the land-based site and result in TRL 7, ready for implementation in an operational environment but potentially needing minor modification before reaching TRL 8.
Overview
Project Team:
- RSL Fiber Systems, Austal USA, Silixa USA, Penn State University Applied Research Lab, NAVSEA 05Z33, NSWC Philadelphia, NSWC Dahlgren
YEAR
- April 2025 – April 2026
NSRP ASE Investment:
- $1,335K
