Remote Monitoring 2020 Vison
- 1. SME Associates LLC Providing Innovative Solutions REMOTE MONITORING 2020 VISION JAMES P. MENGE PE, CHP 1
- 2. History of Remote Monitoring • The first noted use of remote monitoring was in 1982, where remote monitoring of individual dose of workers entering the damaged TMI Unit 2 reactor was used. 1982 • The initial systems used limited radio transmission and dial-up modem technology between two points for transfer of data. Initial Systems • In the 1990s, the systems began to advance to hardwired Ethernet/Internet connections that offered greater speed and reliability.1990 • The advent of cellular technology has advanced the ability to monitor offsite monitors and field teams from just about anywhere while lowering costs and simplifying implementation. The Impact of Cellular Technology
- 3. Remote Monitoring Technology (RMT) Remote Monitoring’s Impact • The use of remote monitoring has been the most significant radiological protection (ALARA) development in the nuclear industry. Benefits to Workers • These ALARA concept practices have translated into improved worker efficiency and lower personnel exposure. Enhancing Traditional Radiation Protection Support • Remote monitoring provides enhancements to the traditional radiation protection support of the work and ability to identify and trend potential radiological issues as they develop in the field.
- 4. Global Use of RMT Technologies Global Growth Today, the use of Remote Monitoring Technologies (RMT) of workers is growing globally. U.S. – Market Leader The U.S. has lead the development and has demonstrated the benefits in reduction of individual dose utilizing worker telemetry to monitor Dose & Dose Rate. EPRI’s RMT Activities EPRI (Electric Power Research institute) hosts an annual Remote Monitoring Working group of International attendees.
- 5. RMT Global Use- Benefits Wireless Technology in the Nuclear Industry The development of wireless technology has spread throughout the world, and is only beginning to be utilized in KHNP, EDF plants and other nuclear sites around the world. Growing Need for RMT Whether as a result of aging workforce or plant economics, the result is that plants have fewer personnel to monitor individual worker activities and need to rely on RMT to monitor various activities simultaneously. Benefits of RMT Remote personnel can troubleshoot issues, advise on-site engineering and operators as how to remedy a problem quickly while improving performance.
- 6. In Korea - RMT is Utilized • KHNP has developed Remote Monitoring Video System (RMVS) for use within their nuclear stations. • The use of RMVS has reduced the dose exposure received by workers.
- 7. France & UK Markets - RMT In France and associated EDF nuclear plants in UK utilize remote monitoring. At recent ISOE meeting EDF’s presentation showed how EDF was integrating teledosimetry into their operations.
- 8. Use of Technology Expands • A dramatic shift of resources is causing nuclear plants to do more with less in today’s environment. Increased Burden on Nuclear Plants • Remote personnel can troubleshoot issues, advise on-site engineering utilizing video and operators as how to remedy a problem quickly while improving performance RMT – Efficient and Effective • The use of computer-based display modules result in electronic ‘sign-board’ display of critical ALARA-based data for the entire plant work force to see (and utilize.) Computer-Based Display Modules • Today the use of smartphones and tablets within the field allow 2- way communications and data to be transferred improving overall performance. Smartphones & Tablets • The advantages of remote monitoring technology outweigh the associated challenges of implementing a RMT program.Worth the Challenge
- 9. Remote Monitoring Technologies Countless Benefits of RMT Greater worker protection Minimizes potential of exposures Provides the ability to respond quickly to control work activities in the case of emergency Provides RP technicians with comprehensive monitoring and communication capabilities with RP workers to ensure worker and plant safety Increased Reliance/Use of RMT for Plant Workers by 2020, Including: Biometrics Position monitoring/location along with audio and visual interface with workers in radiation areas
- 10. EPD Telemetry Growth Rates • In US, EPRI estimates RMT growth to be minimum of 10% per year with new applications and technologies. • In US NPPs approx. 1/3 of all EPDs are transmitting. • The Vision is to expand and include all workers on transmitting EPDs that include Biometrics, Positioning and location features
- 11. Growth in Biometrics is Expanding Growth of wireless technologies with Biometrics is expanding (Heat stress with older individuals is an issue) The introduction of Biometric monitoring of individuals along with dose and dose rate will become standard in workplace monitoring. Other emerging technologies is growing.
- 12. ALARA Add-On Devices New ALARA devices Links EPD to wrist display Bluetooth connection Allows easy Viewing Alarm Notification
- 13. High Radiation Area Access Control Challenges • High Radiation Area Violations • Personnel Entry – Potential Overexposure Solutions • Active Engineered RMT Controls • Warning Systems, which are triggered when an individual approaches • Non-Stop Network Video Recording • Remote command access door
- 14. Future of RMT Flexibility is Key The key to any RMT system in the future lies with the flexibility of its design and its impact on system infrastructure The Benefits are Clear Customers see the value with RMT systems Fleet RPM Manager feedback: “ I would like to see all workers entering RCA areas to be constantly monitored to minimize worker exposure and daily challenges in the field.” Communication Between Electronic Devices The ability of electronic devices (such as smart dosimeters) to integrate and communicate is key As the industry expands its use, we cannot continue relying on the standard protocols of the past RMT – Growing Globally The Growth of RMT Globally is expanding and projected @ min 10% /year based on discussions with EPRI.
- 15. Develop Detail Assessment & Site Plan Remote Monitoring is present everywhere and people have become comfortable using it for many applications. The advantages of wireless system are numerous, and challenges associated with RMT within plants need to be addressed. Challenges with existing systems (i.e. Lost communication) can be minimized/avoided. Development of site wireless assessment plan is essential for various wireless devices
- 16. What are the Challenges Typical Field Issues • Data Loss • Interference • Loss Connections Causes • Throughput • Number of devices • Environmental Characteristics • Bandwidth • Data Rate
- 17. Bandwidth, Data Rate, and Throughput • “Bandwidth” typically means one of two things: • 1. The actual width of a frequency band measured in Hz (Hertz) where the effective bandwidth is the frequency band that is actually carrying data. or • 2. The maximum data rate available (bits per second) in a communication link. Bandwidth • The “data rate” of a particular wireless standard is the maximum data transfer speed (bit per second) the communication link can achieve, such as 54 Mbps for 802.11g. (specified transfer rate for raw data.) Data Rate • The actual user data rate is called the “throughput” of the wireless link. Typically, we can expect the throughput to be about half of the specified data rate (i.e., throughput = 25 Mbps when data rate = 54 Mbps). Throughput
- 18. Packet Loss Descriptions “Loss” is defined as packets that did not arrive and were dropped somewhere along the network path. Packet loss can occur anywhere along the network path for a variety of reasons. Common reasons include: „„Layer-1 errors on the physical interfaces and cables along the path, such as a malfunctioning cable and optical interface. „„Mis-configured network interfaces along the path, such as Ethernet speed/duplex mismatches between devices. „„Bursts of packets exceeding the buffer (queue) limit or configurations on network interfaces along the path, such as Ethernet switches with insufficient queue depth or oversubscribed backplane architectures, or WAN router interfaces. „„A poor wireless network connection due to either distance to the access point or general network congestion.
- 19. Signal Throughput Spec Max. bit rate (Mbps) Approx. application throughput (Mbps) 802.11a 54 26 802.11b 11 6 802.11g 54 26 802.11n (2x2) 300 80 - 100 Understanding Throughput Requirements • Knowing the data rate that a devices will send and receive at is critical for planning the network. • Result Packet Data Loss
- 20. Channel Allocation When using > one access point or other access points in the area, identify the channels that will be utilized on each adjacent access point Avoid using the same channel as an adjacent access point For 2.4 GHz range - three channels (1,6 &11) do not overlap. This will minimize a kind of interference known as co-channel interference
- 21. Communication Systems – Interconnections During Event • As an industry, we are currently in the midst of a transformation • We must determine how we can utilize RMT within plant site boundaries AND off-site, in order to provide key information on: • Radiological Parameters • Environmental Conditions • Personnel Health.
- 22. Key Planning Concepts RMT Assessment The overall RMT Assessment provides guidance and strengthens the plant’s approach to ensure key information (video/audio/data) are received to be analyzed Integrated Small Cell The Integrated Small Cell becomes an important component of the spectrum management plan that combines dynamic spectrum access across spectra as diverse as data, video and audio Emerging Techniques Using emerging techniques such as Distributed Mobility Management (DMM), these will provide efficient and high rate mobility solutions over localized regions, such as emergency planning zones around nuclear facilities
- 23. A Future with RMT… The vision is for integrated solutions that addresses the issue at both the network and the customer user and management overview. It starts with the key user devices, utilizing a smart connection manager that will fully automate spectrum access to the point where the users will no longer have to think about what cellular operator, what Wi-Fi SSID, what Bluetooth connection is needed Users will simply start their apps- health monitoring. The smart connection manager will take this information, examine the available connectivity options together with access policies provided by the operator, and allocate the “right bandwidth” for the right application.
- 24. Key Points Successful Site Plan Must understand System limitations and minimize communications issues upfront Design system for use vs ad-hoc Expansion of monitoring capabilities of individuals Integration of communications for onsite and offsite into one system
- 25. References Menge, J. (2012) paper “Wireless Solutions” Menge J. (2013) Fuji Electric Remote Monitoring Technology (RMT) BCC Research; - Biometrics: Technologies and Global Markets EPRI; Remote Monitoring Technology Guidelines for Radiation Protection, November 2004. EPRI; Remote Monitoring Technology Interim Report: Industry Best Practices and Lessons Learned November 2006. Innovative Industrial Solutions (IIS) Datasheets. INPO; Guidelines for Radiological Protection at Nuclear Power Stations, December 2005. ISOE ALARA 2012 Presentations MOXA; Industrial Wireless Guidebook. MOXA; White Paper; “How Cellular Technology Transforms Remote Monitoring Systems” by Daniel Liu. Nuclear Energy Institute Three Mile Island photo (unknown)
- 26. REMOTE MONITORING 2020 VISION Thank You SME Associates LLC Providing Innovating Solutions
Editor's Notes
- #10: Newer Wi-Fi technology is beginning to spread throughout many US nuclear plants. The expanded use of cameras and data is growing each year. The industry’s overall RMT experience has been very favorable in terms of decreased exposure and increased worker monitoring capability with a reduced workforce.
- #16: One site reported issues with Remote system interfering with electronic dosimeters
- #18: The former is the technically correct definition of bandwidth. For example, the 802.11b/g standards operate between 2.4 GHz and 2.4835 GHz, giving a total effective bandwidth of 83.5 MHz with a channel bandwidth of 22 MHz
- #20: In a Wi-Fi system, the actual throughput that is available to your application is generally about 50 to 60 percent of the overall bandwidth of the Wi-Fi technology selected. This is due to control and management overhead in Wi-Fi systems. The farther a client radio is from the access point the weaker the signal will be, and as the signal gets weaker, it gets closer and closer to the noise floor. The difference between the signal and the noise floor is the signal to noise ratio. A high signal to noise ratio means that a higher performing modulation and coding scheme can be used by the radios. As the signal to noise ratio degrades, the radios must utilize a lower performing modulation and coding scheme to deal with the interference on the channel. This is called dynamic rate switching. This means that the farther the client is from the access point the lower throughput it can achieve. If your application throughput needs are high, then you must design your wireless network with more access points in closer proximity to the client radio’s location, since doing so will ensure that the radio will be able to sustain higher data rates
- #23: The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) develops and promotes internet standards, and dealing in particular with standards of the (TCP/IP) etc.