RFID for Energy & Utility Industries Book

Illustrations xiii

Introduction xix

1 RFID Technology 1

Introduction 1

Applications of RFID 4

Architecture of an RFID System 5

RFID Tags 9

Active or passive tags 12

Operating frequency 13

Read only or read/write tags 15

Kill or disable tags 16

Security in tags 16

RFID Readers 17

RFID reader components 18

Antenna 19

Microcontroller 22

Network interface 24

Power source 24

Stationary or portable readers 24

Communication between Tags and RFID Readers 27

RFID Printers 29

RFID Middleware 30

Applications 33

Data integration 35

Database 36

Analyzing and reporting 36

Presentation 37

Security 37

Security and Privacy 38

Privacy issues 39

Security considerations of an RFID system 40

Physical security 40

Malicious attacks and threats 41

Authentication 42

Encryption 42

Firewall 43

Disabling a tag 43

Manageability and System Availability 44

NFC Technology 46

References 48

2 Wireless Networking Technologies 49

Introduction 49

Categorization of wireless networks 49

Evolution of wireless networks 51

Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) 53

Architecture and components 53

Relevant standards 57

Cost considerations 59

Typical applications 59

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) 60

Architecture and components 61

Relevant standards 63

Cost considerations 64

Typical applications 65

Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs) 67

Architecture and components 67

Relevant standards 68

Cost considerations 70

Typical applications 71

Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs) 72

Architecture and components 73

Relevant standards 74

Cost considerations 76

Typical applications 77

Summary 78

References 78

3 Application of RFID and Wireless Technologies for Mobile Asset Management 81

Business Process Challenges Addressed by Mobile Asset Tracking 81

Tools and parts management 81

Materials management/shelf-life management 82

Hazardous materials (hazmat) management 83

Lot control (tracking and traceability) 83

Personnel tracking 84

Fleet management 85

Assembling an RFID Solution for Mobile Asset Tracking 86

Site survey and RFID readiness 86

Using EPCglobal Network for RFID data management 89

EPCglobal Network software architecture components 90

EPC Information Service (EPCIS) 91

Object Name Service (ONS) 91

ONS local cache 92

Solution components 92

Using RFID for Improved Warehouse Management 93

Shelf-life management, hazmat control with RFID 93

Powerful lot control 93

Better warehousing and logistical operations 96

Countering counterfeits and thefts 98

Using RFID for In-transit Visibility 99

Using passive RFID for in-transit visibility 101

Global and local wireless communications 103

Yard- or facility-based wireless communications 104

Enabling software for in-transit visibility 105

Conclusion 105

Summary 106

4 Application of RFID and Wireless Technologies for Fixed Asset Labeling and Locating 107

Introduction 107

Existing Technologies 108

Development of an RFID-based Fixed Asset Labeling and Locating System 109

Problem 109

Solution 110

Asset labeling for unique identification 110

Asset location 111

Repair and maintenance 113

Example of an implementation 115

Summary 119

References 120

5 RFID and Wireless Applications for Asset Management in the Water Utility 121

Introduction 121

General layout of assets 121

Structure of this chapter 123

Description of Assets within a Water Utility 123

Water supply 124

Water treatment 124

Water distribution 127

Wastewater collection 128

Water treatment plant and water reclamation/reuse 129

Mobile assets 134

Monitoring 136

Assets in solid waste collection and public works operations 137

Analysis of Problems and Solutions 138

Fixed assets 138

Mobile assets 142

Access management and infrastructure security 147

Monitoring and recording 148

Costs and Benefits and Improving the Return on Invested Capital 151

References 152

6 RFID and Wireless Applications for Asset Management in the Electric Utility 153

Introduction 153

Description of Infrastructure 154

Power generation 154

Coal supply and consumption 155

Boiler and associated equipment 156

Turbine 157

Condenser 157

Boiler feed water deaerator 159

Generator 159

Exhaust gas treatment system 160

Power transmission 160

Power distribution and retail 162

Analysis of Problems and Solutions 166

Fixed assets 166

Mobile assets 172

Monitoring and recording 178

Costs and Benefits and Improving the Return on Invested Capital 179

References 180

7 RFID and Wireless Applications for Asset Management in the Natural Gas Industry 181

Introduction 181

Description of Infrastructure 183

Production 183

Processing 188

Transmission 192

Storage 194

Application of RFID and wireless technologies 196

Distribution 197

RFID and wireless applications-distribution and retail 202

Mobile assets 203

Monitoring 205

Analysis of Problems and Solutions 206

Fixed assets 208

Mobile assets 212

Monitoring and recording 218

Costs and Benefits and Improving the Return on Invested Capital 219

References 220

A Evaluating the Business Proposition of an RFID Project 221

Evaluation of an RFID Project 221

Understanding Risks Associated with an RFID System 225

Improving the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) 227

B Industry Acronyms and Abbreviations 233

Index 239

About the Authors 263