I am Thinking about the use of SDR's with other chips for a matrix of receivers with high resolution time stamps ( xxx ns) for Doppler triangulation for something like locating lightning noise but within a HV substation and then within a transformer tank with antenna. Although this spans the spectrum from audio to gamma rays, some bands are more useful for detection like 1~100MHz, 100~1000 MHz, IR, UV.
I've been toying the idea of advancing the state of the art in Power grid Insulation monitoring, but I can't do it alone.
There is a huge need to replace all old power grid distribution equipment every year continuously now and every generation with contracts in the 50 billion range for each location, but more intelligent monitoring and repairs might reduce overall c osts and extend useful life. Some infrastructure lasts 50 yrs others have early failures within 1 year from flaws in design, materials and installation in spite of improvements.
The best method for detecting HV insulation arcs which indicate flaws or contamination is called Partial Discharge (PD) which is like nano-sized lightning bolts internally that dont short out the grid but cause detonation, chemical reactions to create Hydrogen/Methane and decomposition of insulation from Pyrometry if excessive and repetitive per cycle and creates acetylene if high energy. All measurable by annual oil DGA tests but not soon enough for some equipment that often explodes. That's the risk of ignoring these events. There are over 10k thesis papers on this topic alone in Google or Microsoft Scholar, but most lack real word experience for commercialization unless guided by an OEM instrument manufacturer.
Since it is a trillion $ replacement liability , low cost commercial instruments can detect PD but not locate it unless you walk around with a portable antenna but not inside the unit for factory or field maintenance. 3D location instruments start around $10k and go over the cost of the unit. There is a huge need for low cost detection of these impulses and separating it from common corona which is more repetitive but lower energy.
I have tons of info if anyone wants to get on the bandwagon and collaborate which I can share in a Dropbox. Just suggest what area of interest in this project you have, SDR? Wifi data-collection, 3D location, User interface, business plan or whatever.
The scope can be defined to accommodate the needs of everyone with a plan once interest gains momentum.