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Papers from MIT's Optics and Photonics for Advanced Energy Technology Meeting.

Article Excerpt
Experts from academia and industry gathered on June 24-25 for the Optics and Photonics for Advanced Energy Technology meeting at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to discuss the future of solar energy, cutting-edge developments in solid-state lighting, and the application of new sensors and technologies used to generate and store energy. The meeting was sponsored by the Optical Society of America (OSA) and The MIT Center for Integrated Photonic Systems (CIPS), and co-sponsored by the MIT Energy Initiative.

Following are some of the papers on fiber-optic sensors and new applications.

Optical Gas Sensing in Energy Applications

Alexis Mendez

MCH Engineering, LLC. 1728 Clinton Ave. Alameda, CA 94501 USA

Abstract:

Optical gas sensing techniques are an effective and practical tool to the energy sector for the detection, assessment, and localization of fugitive gas emissions and leaks--such as hydrocarbons and SF6--in chemical plants, refineries, power plants, and gas pipelines.

1. Fugitive Gas Emissions--Refineries, Power Plants & Electric Substations

A key application in the energy sector for photonic gas sensors is on-line detection and monitoring of hydrocarbon leaks and fugitive emissions in petrochemical refineries. A significant contributor to air pollution from chemical plants and petroleum refineries are the so-called fugitive emissions and pipeline leaks [1]. Fugitive emissions are produced by leaks of hydrocarbon vapors from process equipment such as valves, flanges, pumps, compressors, and many others, and evaporation of hydrocarbon spills in open areas. Valves are the major source of fugitive emissions in refineries, due to their large count and high emissions. The total quantity of fugitive volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in a typical refinery, with a capacity of 330,000B/d, is estimated at 45,000 lbs per day.

The incidence of leaks and fugitive emissions in a controlled refinery has a random nature. Frequent leaking pieces of equipment with emissions >10,000ppm are often difficult to locate and isolate. The scale of the problem can be appreciated when one realizes that the number of possible components requiring emissions monitoring span from 60,000 parts at small refineries up to 500,000 in larger plants. Fugitive emissions are typically invisible often times poisonous or flammable. Safety statistics in refineries indicate that of the over 800,000 leaks reported each year, 200 to 300 leaks result in accidents that cause downtime, damage to equipment, injuries and even loss of life. Natural gas leaks in residential areas may result in severe human and material losses. To control these emissions, U.S. refineries are...

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