$400,000 grant will enhance use of smart sensor systems in energy generation

Wenbing Zhao, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Cleveland State University, has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop cybersecure sensors that will help improve the operation of fossil power generation plants. The two-year, $400,000 award is a partnership between CSU and research staff from Florida International University’s Applied Research Center.

The project will seek to develop novel data logging and data aggregation methods that incorporate machine learning algorithms and blockchain technology. The goal will be to create a more robust and agile sensor system that can collect useful information on power plant performance, verify the reliability of the data being shared among power system components and securely store all data being collected.

Zhao has published over 120 peer-reviewed journal articles in the areas of dependable systems, computer vision and motion analysis. His research is also supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

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