Wireless Transmission of Monitoring Data out of the HADES Underground Laboratory - 12450
- Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG), P.O. Box 25, NL-1755 ZG Petten (Netherlands)
As part of the European 7. framework project MoDeRn, Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG) performed experiments in order to demonstrate the feasibility of wireless data transmission through the subsurface over larger distances by low frequency magnetic fields. The main objective of NRG's contribution is to characterize and optimize the energy use of this technique within the specific context of post-closure monitoring. For this, measurements have been performed in the HADES underground laboratory located at Mol, Belgium, at 225 m depth. The experimental set-up makes use of a loop antenna for the transmitter that has been matched into the existing infrastructure of the HADES. The experimental work of NRG is divided into several stages: in 2010, the necessary hardware has been designed and assembled and tested in the Netherlands. Site-specific magnetic background noise in Mol and frequency-dependent signal attenuation by the geologic medium has been measured. Signal transmission has been demonstrated and several transmission channels around 1 kHz have been identified. In 2011, additional measures and experiments have been performed in order to characterize and test relevant element of the transmission chain and to optimize the energy use of the set-up. A mathematical model description has been developed that includes the most relevant characteristics of the transmitter, receiver and transmission path and was used to analyse possible options to optimize the set-up. In 2012, experiments are planned in order to test several data transmission options. Results so far have shown that signal transmission over larger distances through the subsurface is feasible. However, to make quantitative conclusions on the energy need per bit of transmitted data, additional experiments planned in 2012 are necessary. The experimental and theoretical results gained by NRG, as part of the European 7. framework project MoDeRn, so far demonstrated that signal transmission through 225 m of a geological medium is feasible, even in case of a 'good conductor' as present in Mol. At this particular site the transmission distance through the different layers of clay and sandy aquifers is larger than the skin depth and clearly extends the near-field. The step from signal to data transmission will be made in 2012 and is essential to be able to make quantitative statements of the energy use per transmitted data bit. (authors)
- Research Organization:
- WM Symposia, 1628 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 9-332, Tempe, AZ 85282 (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 22293680
- Report Number(s):
- INIS-US-14-WM-12450; TRN: US14V1336115204
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: WM2012: Waste Management 2012 conference on improving the future in waste management, Phoenix, AZ (United States), 26 Feb - 1 Mar 2012; Other Information: Country of input: France; 8 refs.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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