Implement Wireless Network Infrastructure Using a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) - MTA-MA-003

Administrative Items
Date	12/15/2020
Functional Area Where Benefits Will Be Realized	Maintenance Engineering Operations
Reference Implementation Guidance	Use of LTE Cellular Network and Distributed Antenna Systems to Improve Connectivity and Increase Data Transfer: A Plant Monitoring Initiative (EPRI 3002009128) Online Monitoring – Engineering Change Package Content for a Distributed Antenna System and Wireless Vibration Sensors (EPRI 3002011820) Wireless Technology Assessment: Analysis of Radiated Emissions from Common Phones, Laptops, and Tablets (EPRI 3002012707)
Industry SME	EPRI – Nick Camilli Contact: NuclearPlantMod@epri.com
Previous Implementation	Please contact EPRI for implementation examples and contacts.
Implementation Enablers	N/A
SWEEP Score	Cost – Level 2 – Implementation cost is between $1 million and $5 million per unit. Costs typically range between $1.5‑2 million depending on the size and scope of the project. Savings – Level 0 – Savings are not evaluated because the technology is an enabler, which does not inherently produce cost savings but permits implementation of other improvements. Payback – Level 0 – No identified payback period since the technology improvement is an enabler. Payback is shared among modernization improvements that will use this enabling technology. Technical Readiness – Level 3 – This technology is commercially available and is already installed at commercial nuclear sites. Licensing Readiness – Level 3 – This technology has already been implemented at nuclear power plants. No changes to the site license would be required to install the technology. This evaluation does not include the potential modernization improvements that could be implemented using this enabling technology. Implementation Proficiency – Level 2 – The implementation proficiency of a DAS is dependent on site‑specific experience related to wireless network infrastructure and cyber security protocols. A systematic engineering approach should be taken when installing a DAS.
Applicability	All reactor types All geographic regions
Keywords	Wireless network; wireless infrastructure; distributed antenna system; DAS; online monitoring
Business Case Analysis Cross-Reference	N/A

Description

The implementation of a wireless network infrastructure at a nuclear plant is an enabler for modernization projects and technologies. A DAS is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes commonly used to amplify and distribute radio frequency, such as LTE and other cellular bands, into a building that typically would have limited to poor coverage. A DAS can also be used for unlicensed radio frequencies such as 900 MHz and 433 MHz bands if supported by the manufacturer. Extended wireless coverage allows for the implementation of certain modernization improvements that rely on, or are optimized by, the availability of a wireless network connection, such as online monitoring and advanced radio or cell phone communication. These modernization improvements may reduce utility costs, provide for cost savings, improve equipment reliability, improve worker productivity, or improve overall plant process efficiency.

Benefits

Benefits Estimate

Level 0 – Savings are not evaluated because the technology or process improvement is an enabler, which does not inherently produce cost savings but permits implementation of other improvements.

Benefits Description

The implementation of a wireless network infrastructure enables/optimizes a variety of modernization improvements such as:

• Real time communication during refueling outages to increase efficiency and mitigate delays.
• Remote online monitoring to reduce maintenance costs, reduce personnel dose, and increase equipment reliability by supporting the transition to condition‑based maintenance instead of time‑based maintenance.
• Wearable technology to increase worker productivity with less errors.
• Paperless procedures and work orders that can be accessed wirelessly to reduce printing costs as well as reduce expenses and errors.
• Wireless cameras and thermal imaging devices to reduce fire watch staffing.
• As compared to WiFi (MTA-MA-004: Implement Wireless Network Infrastructure Using WiFi), the benefit of a DAS is that it can be licensed and managed by an outside carrier, delivering proven and reliable service with minimal IT support needed.

Costs and Schedule

Cost

Level 2 – Implementation cost is between $1 million and $5 million per unit. Costs typically range between $1.5‑2 million depending on the size and scope of the project.

Schedule

One to three years.

Scope Context

Per unit. The estimated schedule time includes the development of the Design Change package, the development of a contract with a licensed carrier, and the installation of a DAS. The estimates reflect approximately 80 % wireless coverage across the facility including inside and outside the power block, which is typical for a wireless infrastructure.

Risks

• Cybersecurity: If the system is not properly segmented and implemented, potential cyber‑security deficiencies may increase vulnerability to threats. Following the cyber security guidance in the available reference implementation guidance will mitigate this risk.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): If EMC implications are not considered, DAS applications may adversely affect nearby equipment and the overall benefits of other modernization improvements that use this enabling technology could be impacted. Following NRC EMC requirements and guidance for EMC testing in the available reference implementation guidance will mitigate this risk.
• Product Availability: If the DAS vendor discontinues its product and associated services, the system cannot be maintained. A specified minimum design life of 5 years and a requirement that software and firmware are actively maintained by the vendor will mitigate this risk. For implementations that utilize a licensed carrier, if the carrier does not maintain the cellular wireless source then the DAS may not function properly. Having a robust contract between the utility and the carrier will mitigate this risk.