Although the use of fiber optics for temperature measurement has been around for some time, results have been mixed and heavily dependent on the specific application and environmental conditions. Therefore, it is important to define clear specifications in advance and to incorporate the experience of involved partners into new projects. The project has two main objectives: 1) Knowledge sharing and standardization: Lessons learned from previous projects are compiled, analyzed, and translated into a set of technical requirements for drinking water applications, 2) Technology development: TNO is developing a new measurement concept and improving existing technologies specifically for drinking water infrastructure.
TNO works with two types of fiber-optic measurement systems: - DFOS (Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing): Continuous measurements over long distances, with less accurate positioning but a large amount of sensor data. - Quasi-DFOS or EFT (End of Fiber Tip): Point sensors with higher sensitivity and precise location tracking, but fewer measurement points per fiber. Both techniques are evolving and are expected to converge in the future. Developments are underway to read out more sensors per fiber and to customize fibers ("engineered fiber") for improved performance, despite trade-offs such as increased light loss.
A careful balance between technology, application, and environmental conditions is essential for successful implementation in the drinking water sector.