Story tips: Split-second leak detection, serendipitous silicon and retrofitting untapped dams

Buildings — Split-second leak detection

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers demonstrated that an electrochemical sensor paired with a transmitter not only detects propane leaks within seconds, but it can also send a signal to alert emergency services.

Propane is an alternative refrigerant that has low global warming potential. However, because of its flammability risk, it is not widely used commercially in the United States. To mitigate concerns, researchers attached a transmitter to an off-the-shelf sensor and developed a computer program that monitors the signal, self-checking every few seconds.

“This sensor can work with any vending machine or commercial refrigerator,” said ORNL’s Moonis Ally. “It detects leaks almost immediately, even when propane concentration is less than 5% of the lower flammability limit, or 0.1% propane in air.”

Additionally, because the warning signal is sent through a phone line, satellite or internet connection, it also works in remote locations. Future work includes collaborating with industry for further testing.

Media contact: Jennifer Burke, 865.414.6835, [email protected]     

Image:https://www.ornl.gov/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2022-06/sensor.jpg?h=56a028f0&itok=MzSoh0Xg

Caption: ORNL researchers demonstrated a system that can detect propane leaks within seconds and notify emergency services immediately, well before flames ignite. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Video: Buildings: Split-second leak detection

 

Plants — Serendipitous silicon

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are closer to unlocking the secrets to better soil carbon sequestration by studying the tiny, sand-like silicon deposits called phytoliths in plants.

Silicon makes plants rigid and helps protect them from stressors like drought. The phytoliths resulting from silicon accumulation also trap carbon in a structure that endures long after plants die, enhancing soil carbon storage.

“We want to know whether we can shift the system enough to increase the amount of carbon that can be sequestered by plants,” said ORNL’s Natalie Griffiths.

As part of their analysis of phytoliths in poplar trees, scientists not only identified the gene conferring silicon accumulation, but also linked it to the stimulation of cellulose biosynthesis — a key process in creating biofuels, said ORNL’s Madhavi Martin.

“It’s a great example of the lab’s research linking plant genetics to ecosystem impacts,” Griffiths said, particularly as a natural decarbonization strategy. 

Media contact: Stephanie Seay, 865.576.9894, [email protected]

Image:https://www.ornl.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/siliconphytoliths_0.jpg 

Caption: These images show increasing levels of magnification of phytoliths in the leaves of poplar trees, a key biofuel crop, imaged using ORNL’s specialized microscopy-spectroscopy. Credit: Elizabeth Herndon/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

 

Hydropower — Retrofitting untapped dams

Although more than 92,000 dams populate the country, the vast majority — about 89,000 — do not generate electricity through hydropower.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are assessing the viability of retrofitting some of these non-powered dams, which may add up to 12 gigawatts of additional electricity to the power grid — enough to power 9 million homes or every home in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.

In a new report released by the U.S. Department of Energy, ORNL identifies key development challenges, including aging infrastructure, dam design limitations, costs, timelines and environmental considerations. The goal is to accelerate design approaches and innovations that increase energy from hydropower while ensuring environmental compatibility and economic feasibility.

“Hydropower has over 100 years of history in the U.S.,” said ORNL’s Scott DeNeale. “DOE’s continued investments position the industry well to power untapped water infrastructure while achieving low-impact renewable energy growth.” — Mimi McHale

Media contact: Stephanie Seay, 865.576.9894, [email protected]

Image:https://www.ornl.gov/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_style/public/2022-06/hydropower.JPG?h=790be497&itok=g7ffCW-C

Caption: Non-powered dams such as the Byrd Creek Dam in Crossville, Tennessee, may prove viable as retrofitted hydropower facilities, producing sustainable, clean electricity. Credit: Scott DeNeale/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy