Yokogawa Commences Research Project with JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center

Tokyo, Japan - December 27, 2021

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that it has started work on an optical fiber sensing technology research project with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center ("Exploration Hub"). Yokogawa was awarded this collaborative research project based on a proposal titled “Distribution Measurement of the High and Low Temperature Region and Pseudo Real-time Measurement by Random Access with Brillouin Optical Correlation Domain Measurements^*.”

Established in 2015, JAXA's Exploration Hub brings together specialists in different fields from companies, universities, and research institutes to foster research in Japan on the construction of innovative technologies and systems for space exploration. The results obtained through this joint research will be used to resolve technical issues not only in space, but also on the ground.

Yokogawa's adopted proposal falls under the optical fiber sensing technology research and development category, which is one of the idea incubation research topics for which the Exploration Hub solicited proposals. In this field, Yokogawa offers the DTSX, a fiber optic distributed temperature sensor that is suitable for installation even in harsh environments. Used in fire detection and maintenance applications, this product helps to ensure safe and reliable operations in all kinds of plants and infrastructure facilities. The company will utilize its advanced technologies and deep experience of optical fiber sensing to contribute to research in this field.

Research Theme

Distribution measurement of the high and low temperature region and pseudo real-time measurement by random access with Brillouin optical correlation domain measurements

Research Period

December 2021 to November 2022

Research Content

By utilizing optical fiber sensors, Brillouin optical correlation domain measurement technology will be further refined to not only perform measurement of temperature distribution across a wide temperature range in a specific area, but to also develop a random-access function that can selectively change the measurement points, thereby allowing the simultaneous and near real-time measurement of temperature in multiple locations to support applications such as abnormality detection.

Under Yokogawa's long-term business framework, space is positioned as a potential business area to be explored. While countries around the world are making rapid advances in this field, all face the rigorous challenges of operating and managing equipment in the extreme environment of space. In collaboration with JAXA, the company will conduct research and development to ensure that its optical fiber sensing technology can contribute to these efforts.

* A technique invented by Professor Kazuo Hotate, President of the Toyota Technical Institute and former Vice President of The University of Tokyo

 

For more information

• Solution of Optical Fiber Sensor for Measuring Temperature, Strain and Vibration

 

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,500 employees in a global network of 119 companies spanning 61 countries.
For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com

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