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The Development of "ShortWatch," a Novel Overtemperature and Mechanical Damage Sensing Technology for Wires or Cables--BPW Incorporated, 372 River Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533-5248; 757-850-8679
Mr. Kenneth S. Watkins, Principal Investigator
Mr. Jack Morris, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82543
Amount: $600,000
This project continues the development of the AShortWatch@ fault-sensing technology, which provides real-time, in situ monitoring of electrical wires and cables and warns of insulation damage before an electrical fault occurs. The objective of this project is to design, prototype, and test a multi-conductor electrical cable that utilizes the fault-predictive technology and is suitable for instrumentation, control, and power transmission in the nuclear power environment. In Phase I, a feasible design was selected for a prototype wire or cable that provides distributed sensor warning of over-temperature, insulation leakage measurement arc sensing capability, and wire age prediction. A material feasibility study was completed and two conducting polymer materials were identified that exceed design requirements. Phase II will design, manufacture, and test two or more AShortWatch@ electrical designs suitable for use in the nuclear power industry.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The potential market for AShortWatch@ technology is extremely large. This technology should initially be used in high-risk, low fault-tolerant industries such as nuclear, aerospace, and oil and gas. As the technology matures and the development costs are amortized, applications to other industries, as well as commercial and residential applications, should develop.