Acorn Energy’s subsidiary, US Seismic Systems (USSI) has finished the real-time testing of fiber optic harbor protection system at LakeErie, funded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) subject to a contract with the Electro Optic Center of Penn State.
Fiber Optic Intruder Detection System
Fiber optic sonar arrays were installed by the USSI to detect any crafts intruding into the secured region of interest (ROI). The USSI system successfully detected all the attempts of intrusion into the ROI ranging upto 4 km. The device is a part of Harbor Sentinel, an integrated harbor security system, which features surface search radars, automated identification system (AIS) and thermal imaging cameras for tracking ship data.
The USSI displayed the possibility of using a cost-effective, fiber optic sonar array underwater for ROI alarms and automated trip wire, without human interference. Results were almost the same as in San Diego’s Mission Bay.
According to Jeff Granman of NSWC, there are 360 US harbors and ports conducting business in trillions of dollars every year. Most of these harbors and ports, being close to metropolitan cities, deal with a wide range of inflammable, poisonous and explosive goods. Destroying or damaging these containers will result in critical damage to US infrastructure, people surrounding the area and also to the business.
Jim Anderson, CEO of USSI, states that he is happy to be a part of the demonstration conducted, and feels elated that the USSI devices are working successfully in real-time harbor protection scenarios. He added that the USSI devices are designed for difficult applications like sea and oil well applications aiming dependability and trouble-free operation, and the test conducted recently, is an example for its technological achievements in the field of optic sensing.