SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wirelessly powered, flexible sensor that detects pipe leaks over long distances.
BACKGROUND:
While the problem of old and failing pipes has garnered attention, the methods for addressing such failing infrastructure has lagged. Monitoring leaks via sensors on pipe external surfaces could provide constant, real-time monitoring with minimal effort. There is a need for monitoring leaking pipes in the natural gas and petroleum industry.
INNOVATION:
Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a sensor that wirelessly detects pipe leaks over long distances. The sensor uses guided waves with low attenuation to wirelessly power the sensors. Moreover, the wirelessly powered energy harvesting chips are flexible, compact and readily fit to cylindrical pipe surfaces.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES