Sensors – Energy security

Thousands of fuel storage tanks across the country could be protected from sabotage with an integrated wireless sensor system developed by engineers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and industry partners. The proprietary system combines shock and hydrocarbon sensors with a communications network that would allow authorities to respond rapidly, mitigating adverse impacts and protecting the energy infrastructure. The system uses very little power and can integrate with renewable power sources, minimizing operator intervention and maintenance costs. Such a network could play a major role in safeguarding the nation’s estimated 700,000 tanks, which have a capacity of 2.3 billion barrels of heating oil, diesel and gasoline. Partners in this effort are Pegasus Technologies of Lenoir City and Delphian Corp. of Northvale, N.J. The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Industrial Technologies funded this project.

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