Nuclear Power Facilities Utilize LoRaWAN Sensors for Remote Monitoring

Ensuring uninterrupted operation is critical to electric utility and nuclear energy companies when providing power to citizens. Since nuclear plants and electrical utilities cannot afford unplanned downtime under any circumstances, every potential issue that could halt plant operations is monitored, with all alerts treated as urgent and promptly addressed.

Managing the integrity of critical spare parts is among the challenges that large-scale electrical utility and nuclear facilities face. These parts must be consistently accessible and stored in remote, environmentally controlled facilities to maintain operational readiness. Ensuring equipment remains in a constant state of readiness includes monitoring temperature and humidity levels to prevent rust, safeguarding equipment seals from deterioration, and ensuring batteries maintain their charge.

Critical spare parts are stored in sealed vinyl bags or tents, utilizing inert gas or desiccant to regulate humidity levels. The humidity levels within these bags require monthly manual monitoring to ensure compliance with prescribed thresholds.

Similarly, continuous battery monitoring is vital for maintaining optimal voltage levels, as weak batteries could compromise the activation of crucial emergency equipment in nuclear plants, imperiling safety. Any voltage decline demands swift action. Typically, battery inspections are conducted manually during monthly or quarterly maintenance checks.

Another major priority is sourcing wireless sensors to reduce - or completely negate - the need for extensive wiring, which can prove costly for customers and create potential trip hazards within facilities.

In response to these challenges, electrical utility and nuclear energy firms are spearheading the development of remote monitoring systems for temperature, humidity, and battery conditions (such as voltage), saving countless hours of manual labor and reducing the number of significant maintenance work orders annually. These companies are engineering purpose-built IoT solutions that offer program maintenance and real-time data monitoring.

One of the easiest-to-deploy solutions utilizes MultiTech LoRaWAN® wireless sensors to collect sensory data from their surroundings and detect deviations in environmental conditions, including temperature, movement, air quality, and lighting. Interacting with central gateways through organized nodes tailored to meet users' specific network objectives, the sensors are ideal for energy companies because they can transmit over long distances and function effectively in challenging wireless environments.

Solutions using remote monitoring sensors offer the flexibility of over-the-air programming for threshold adjustments. Leveraging gateways such as MultiTech’s LoRaWAN Conduit® gateway - recognized as the industry's most configurable, manageable, and scalable LoRa gateway for industrial IoT applications - energy companies can monitor their extensive equipment inventory without the need for time-consuming and costly manual routes.

With remote monitoring solutions, daily reports can be generated for all equipment, and in the event of an alert condition, immediate notifications are issued via text or email.

MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.

Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.

Our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.