Integration of Control Methods and Digital Twins for Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

Advanced nuclear reactors offer a new set of features to energy generation, due to their ability to adapt to variable energy demand, operate autonomously, be deployed in rural locations and monitored remotely, afford compact size and lower power ratings, and rely on novel technologies to achieve safer operations. Thus, a requirement for the success of these reactors is the use of intelligent forms of control to track changing power demands, make autonomous decisions, and reduce the need for human involvement. vii

Enabling a Physical Twin for Control Methods Evaluation

“…The NEET ASI program anticipates several research needs that will have to be met in order to move advanced reactors from their current state to one in which autonomous operations can be developed, evaluated, and deployed. [2] To meet these needs, the program identified various technologies and methods that facilitate more autonomous operations when integrated into a generic framework for control (Figure 2). These technologies and methods include digital twins (a computational simulation of a process or system that can replicate the behavior of that process or system [3]), machine learning (ML) models, optimization methods, risk modeling, and various types of control methods.…”

“…Design and operational features of advanced nuclear reactors. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (NEET ASI) program is supporting research to enable this new control paradigm.The NEET ASI program anticipates several research needs that will have to be met in order to move advanced reactors from their current state to one in which autonomous operations can be developed, evaluated, and deployed [2]. To meet these needs, the program identified various technologies and methods that facilitate more autonomous operations when integrated into a generic framework for control (Figure2).…”