Highly Accurate Level Sensor
sensors
Highly Accurate Level Sensor (LAR-TOPS-127)
For aerospace fuel tanks
Overview
NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a SansEC
Sensor Technology for use with aerospace fuel delivery systems.
The SansEC technology is a patented and proven platform
for multiple applications, including fluid level measurement.
The platform utilizes a flat coil geometry antenna operated
at its resonant frequency to measure dielectric properties
or property changes of materials near the coil.
The technology is well-suited for situations where
wireless, powerless, or non-contact measurements
are needed with high sensitivity and accuracy.
NASA Langley Research Center is seeking industrial partners/
licensees to commercialize this technology. The research team
at NASA Langley is available to assist with further development.
The Technology
The FAA and Aircraft Industry recognize the need to reduce fuel tank explosion risk
by eliminating ignition sources and changing fuel tank design and maintenance.
This technology can be utilized to wirelessly sense the level of fuel in aircrafts, thus
mitigating risk of inadvertent electrical failures and sparks. NO wires enter the fuel
tank and the radio frequency transponder typically requires 10 milliwatts of power or
less.
The technology can be used for dielectric tanks, by simply applying the sensors to the
tank surface (as pictured). Through certain techniques the technology can be applied
on metal tanks with no wires entering the tank from the outside.
Currently, there are more than 20,910 jet aircraft in service. This presents a large
market opportunity for retrofitting this technology onto existing airplane fuel tanks
Rapidly evolving aviation services are expected to spur worldwide requirement for
36,770 new jet aircraft by 2033. This presents a growing market for new installations.
Benefits
- Sensor is low cost, wireless, and offers design flexibility
- Requires only a simple and inexpensive radio frequency transponder
- Sensing can be accomplished without any electrical or direct physical contact with the coil
- Eliminates direct wire ingress into the tank
- Sensor can simultaneously detect hazardous gas fumes when coated with the appropriate chemically sensitive material
Applications
- Fuel and other liquid measurements in aerospace vehicles
- Above or below ground fuel storage tanks
- Cryogenic fluid tanks
