The Integrated Monitoring AWAReness Environment will directly support health monitoring and management within NASA propulsion and testing facilities. The integration of the system into NASA Stennis Space Center's rocket engine test stands will immediately benefit the Integrated System Health Management (ISHM) program by providing powerful embedded sensing with wireless networking. This includes the monitoring of leakage, fire, etc. in propellant or gas delivery systems, cooling water lines, etc. Another example is the remote monitoring of vacuum lines as part of the low pressure and low cryogenic temperature A3 test stand at NASA SSC. Possible applications outside of SSC involve the health monitoring of test facility support systems at Glen Research Center, for example, vacuum line monitoring at the zero gravity research facility, as well as usage in wind tunnel test facilities such as those at Ames Research Center and Langley Research Center.
One of the main objectives of this STTR is the commercialization of the project's research results and introduction of a commercialized product into the marketplace (both civilian and government). The IM-AWARE will provide an integral solution for embedded sensing and health monitoring for a variety of systems. Specific uses of the technology include, but are not limited to: (1) heating and cooling systems in large and expansive commercial facilities; (2) support systems in nuclear power plants (cooling lines, gas pressurization lines, and so on) as well as other power plant types (fossil fuels, geothermal power, hydroelectric, etc.); (3) industrial environments that require the proper operation of fluid flow systems (e.g. refrigerant for cooling, hydraulic power systems, etc.); (4) general manufacturing environments; and (5) natural gas pipelines and other gas delivery systems.
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