CX-270246: Self-powered Wireless Through-wall Data Communication for Nuclear Environments

The proposed action consists of developing and demonstrating an enabling technology for the data communications for nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilities using radiation and thermal energy harvesters, through-wall ultrasound communication, and harsh environment electronics. Specifically, the consist of three actions: (1) Directly harvest electrical energy from the gamma rays using the gamma heating and thermoelectrics, and from the beta particles using betavoltaic cells; (2) Transmit large amount of sensing data through the metal wall and thick concrete via ultrasound based on “mode conversion” principle; and (3) Creatively design, develop, and deploy electronics for demonstration of the complete system, and provide a design, fabrication and shielding strategy for future realization of high-temperature and radiation-hardened electronics circuits and communication systems for use inside the enclosed nuclear vessels.