Applying RFID technology in nuclear materials management

An energy supply unit for an autonomous remote sensor system monitoring stored nuclear waste

“…As stated before, the temperature of the environment could reach up to 200-250 • C. Rechargeable batteries have been used in harsh environments such as space applications however these batteries typically have a short life (<10 years) and may also be prone to nuclear radiation [38]. Work by Tsai et al [10] suggest that there are no problems with batteries being exposed to radiation, however it must be noted that the exposure to the radiation during their test accumulated a total of 35.6 krad where as other works, which show a degradation in battery performance, accumulated a total exposure of two orders more than that in [10]. Bugga et al [38] have shown that Li-ion batteries degrade by less than 10% after an exposure of 1.8 Mrad of ␥ radiation.…”

“…Radioactivity and temperature characteristics can be assessed from the literature. Tsai et al [10] use a radioactivity level that originates from the United States Code of Federal Regulations [11] and is equivalent to 20 rad h −1 for ␥/X-ray radiation or 1 rad h −1 for ␣ radiation. Over 100 years this will accumulate to 17.5 Mrad and 875 krad respectively.…”

“…Measurements from three monitoring methods were compared: wired signal transmission, wireless transmission using magneto-inductive techniques and cross hole seismic tomography. Tsai et al [10] present a system that can be used to monitor nuclear waste during its transportation and storage. Their system comprises an active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system bolted to the side of a nuclear waste package powered by four 3.4 Ah batteries, suggesting a lifetime of greater than 10 years.…”

A mechanical battery for powering wireless sensor nodes in harsh environments

“…Rechargeable batteries have been used in harsh environments, such as space applications however, these batteries typically have a short life (< 10 years) and may also be prone to nuclear radiation [7]. Work by Tsai et al [1] suggest that there are no issues with batteries being exposed to radiation, however it must be noted that the exposure to the radiation during their tests accumulated a total of 35.6krad. Other works, which demonstrate a deterioration in battery performance, accumulated a total exposure in the order of Mrads.…”

“…An array of Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSNs) is proposed for this purpose as has been done in similar applications monitoring nuclear waste during different stages of its life. For example Tsai et al [1] present a system that can be used to monitor nuclear waste during its transportation and storage. Their system comprises an active radio frequency identification system bolted to the side of a nuclear waste package and is powered by four 3.4Ah batteries, suggesting a lifetime of greater than 10 years.…”