Proposing a New Wireless Air Monitoring System to Replace the Current Nuclear Infrastructure-Whitehaven, UK

Abstract

Despite the huge potential opportunities provided by a nuclear power station, residents nearby have concerns regarding the radiation generated. To provide reassurance that any airborne radiation is within safe levels, a new Wireless Air Monitoring System for monitoring the material’s radioactivity in real-time has been proposed. The goal is to improve safety by downloading readings instantaneously and as a result, avoid potential events caused by possible signal latency. The current system and associated communication techniques are outdated as equipment is expensive, fixed, and most importantly, employ a method which could result in delay. Signal delays for these systems could be fatal in the case of an unlikely event occurring at a nuclear site. This paper proposes an air pollution monitoring system, based on the technology of using a low-cost, sensor node which automatically uploads data to the Internet of Things (IoT). This proposes that the designed node will replace the nuclear air monitoring system which is currently employed at various sites and surrounding areas. The measurements discussed herewith, provide evidence of the utility of using the inexpensive IoT Nano and illustrate its effectiveness for detection of the percentage of radioactivity.