Innovation Exchange challenge: Net Zero and Energy System Transition - Calorific Value Gas Sensor

As the UK moves towards a greener future with CO2 being reduced with the aim of phasing out completely, the UK gas networks are working hard to reduce the amount of fossil fuels in the network and replace it with lower carbon alternative types of gas. Cadent are looking to improve their monitoring of the network by adding sensors at a local level that can measure multiple gas types/mixes for the Calorific Value.

The UK currently has circa 1% biomethane in the distribution network and no injected hydrogen. However, Cadent have significant plans to increase biogas content to reduce the carbon content of the fuel we transport. Improved sensorisation of localised CV could be one key components of the solution to enable green gases to be introduced in the UK.

In the case of biomethane, the current widely used solution is Propanation, which is a useful but imperfect solution to the problem, especially to be done effectively and timely at scale.

What is the potential solution?

• Development of hydrogen measurement in gas capability
• Development of robust electronics design
• Development of wireless capability
• Development of CV measurement with Natural gas, hydrogen blends & biomethane

Cadent gas are looking for a sensor system that can fit in to a body of no bigger than an average shoe box and link in to a network pressure point.

At this stage a size of your solution would be useful to asses the fit within these locations.

The sensor system would be fitted by a competent person which can either be a supplier of the sensors or Cadent will source.

There is also a potential for collaboration with present suppliers to meet the demand of localising the network measurements and support scale up. Sensors systems would be located in a variety of places from below ground to inside large buildings or structures, a flexible approach to the communications would be an advantage as the communication systems may need to be changed for a more suitable method depending the location of the sighting of the sensor and what type of signal may be able to get to a receiver.

For further requirements (technical, operational, scope and cost) visit the Innovation Exchange site at the link below.

Who can apply?

Entrants to this competition are expected to be established businesses, test houses, academic institutions, startups, SMEs or individual entrepreneurs, who are UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base.