Distributed Antenna System for Wireless Data Communication in Nuclear Power Plants

Implementing wireless technologies in nuclear power plants plays a key role in reducing operating and maintenance costs by facilitating a more mobile workforce and enabling wireless equipment condition monitoring for predictive maintenance. However, there are multiple barriers that impede widespread implementation of wireless technologies in the nuclear power industry including electromagnetic and radio frequency interference issues, costs associated with installing and maintaining wireless infrastructure, and a lack of commercially available wireless sensors for equipment condition monitoring suitable for a nuclear power plant. The proposed research and development effort will include hands-on laboratory experiments to establish the technical basis for the implementation of distributed antenna systems in nuclear power plants. The distributed antenna system uses a “leaky” or radiating cable to provide wireless signal coverage throughout a nuclear facility that also accommodate a wide range of frequencies and wireless protocols simultaneously using a single cable. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility of implementing distributed antenna systems in nuclear power plants by: 1) characterizing the radio frequency performance of several types of radiating cables, 2) identifying the electromagnetic and radio frequency interference risks associated with using a radiating cables near sensitive plant equipment, 3) verifying transmission reliability of wireless sensor data over a distributed antenna system, and 4) using software-defined radios to establish a communication link over a distributed antenna system. The goal of the Phase II project is to identify the optimal system components and installation practices that should be used when implementing a distributed antenna system in a nuclear power plant with the goal of maximizing coverage and performance, minimizing electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, and addressing wireless coexistence and other installation considerations. The research will also develop wireless sensor technologies that meet the needs of the nuclear industry for equipment condition monitoring using commercial wireless transmitters. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS AND OTHER BENEFITS: The implementation of a distributed antenna system as a backbone for wireless communications will not only save nuclear power plants millions of dollars in reduced equipment and installation costs, but will also enhance communication and data access throughout the entire plant. The proposing firm will offer distributed antenna system implementation services as well as products capable of communicating wireless sensor data over the distributed antenna system. This technology is cross-cutting and benefits both the existing fleet of nuclear facilities and new reactors including small modular reactors and advanced designs.