PiPe4.0 project will address two main issues related to in-situ monitoring in the distribution gas network by realizing a system consisting of two interconnected units:
- Main unit (Gas Monitoring Unit, GMU) able to perform a complete measurement of the gas parameters in injection cabins or gas distribution cabins.
- Network of distributed self-powered secondary sensors (Distributed Sensing Unit, DSU) that measure hydrogen content and/or pressure in different points enabling the detection of local leakages.
ADVANTAGES
1) Gas Monitoring Unit (GMU):
- integrated system able to measure in-situ the main parameters of fuel gases in the distribution network;
- composition and heating value of fuel gases measured according to BS EN ISO 6976:2016;
- system suitable for a broad set of gas mixtures within an extremely variable range of compositions;
- compact, low-cost and low-power instrument, fully automated operation.
2) Distributed Sensing Unit (DSU):
- distributed gas parameters (pressure and/or hydrogen content) measured and transmitted to the monitor unit to characterize the gas injection process;
- full monitoring of gas leakages all along the line;
- self-powered sensors;
- tribo/thermoelectric combination for energy harvesting which takes advantage of the continuous gas flow in the pipes and generates a constant electrical energy production;
- suitability for harsh environments.
