Foundations for a Fission Battery Digital Twin

Browning, Jeren; Slaughter, Andrew E.; Kunz, M. Ross; Hansel, Joshua; Rolston, Bri; Wilsdon, Katherine; Pluth, Adam; McCardell, Dillon

doi:10.1080/00295450.2021.2011574

Cited by 11 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…AI and ML are often associated with DTs because the operational data are often used to detect and diagnose potential issues in the physical system through simulation and comparing against the digital system. Additionally, significant research is being performed to predict future physical system issues, also referred to as predictive maintenance, with AI and ML tools [69,70,71].…”

Section: Figure 5 Relative Value and Complexity Of Different Types Of...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Status Report on Regulatory Criteria Applicable to the Use of Digital Twins

Muhlheim

Ramuhalli

Huning

et al. 2022

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Although the interest in the use of Digital Twins (DTs) in nuclear energy is increasing rapidly, at present their implementation is limited. This rapid increase in interest is not surprising considering that implementing DT technology would allow for continuous monitoring, facilitate the implementation of predictive maintenance with optimized staffing plans, enable the automation and autonomy opportunities that can drastically reduce the fixed operation and maintenance costs, and provide training for operations and maintenance. Other industries are using DTs for construction and in the nuclear arena DTs can provide great benefit in decommission activities. Their ability to operate in real time vastly increases their potential impact.It has been recognized that before a DT can be used in design, operations, or as a regulatory tool, the specifics on the regulations applicable to the use of DTs need to be established. The difficulty is that the specific use cases will dictate the applicability of regulations. For example, even within the application domain associated with operations, the regulations may vary if the DT is used to create a virtual reference for plant operations, be used for training, optimization of maintenance intervals, prioritize of maintenance activities, etc. Different still is if the DT is to be used for design. A DT that is integrated into the design or design process can facilitate improved decision making and greater operational flexibilities and its use to support the selection of technical specifications will introduce other requirements. This report describes the research results to date to identify regulatory implications of DT technologies and their uses. Specifically, this report reviews current regulatory guidance relevant to the application of predictive maintenance DTs, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation. The focus of this review included determination of constraints on the application of DT technology, identification of any regulatory gaps or uncertainties, and clarification of anticipated technical basis information likely to be important for regulatory acceptance of these technologies. The research included review of topical reports and other submissions to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on technologies relevant to using DTs for predictive maintenance, NRC safety evaluation (SE) reports, and other relevant literature to identify specific regulatory concerns. v CONTENTS ABSTRACT.

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Section: Figure 5 Relative Value and Complexity Of Different Types Of...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Status Report on Regulatory Criteria Applicable to the Use of Digital Twins

Muhlheim

Ramuhalli

Huning

et al. 2022

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“…New digital tools and systems that aid operators in managing a microreactor or even a fleet of microreactors may help to ensure proper performance. A digital twin (DT) is defined herein as a digital system that contains a virtual representation of a physical resource and bidirectionally communicates with that resource during operations (Browning et al, 2022). This virtual representation may be comprised of models that predict future operations, detect anomalies, and suggest changes that support the optimal operation of the resource.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Remote nuclear microreactors: a preliminary economic evaluation of digital twins and centralized offsite control

Bryan,

Jesse,

Miller

et al. 2023

Front. Nucl. Eng.

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The nuclear energy industry is looking to next-generation reactor designs to augment, diversify, and expand generation capacity in an increasingly complex and varied energy landscape. A key element in this objective is microreactors—small nuclear reactors which can provide flexible capacity at a reduced scale compared to traditional large-scale nuclear reactors. Specifically, microreactors could be used to provide clean, reliable combined heat and power to remote communities, worksites, or facilities. However, the construction and operations and maintenance costs to supply the required operator staffing and physical supporting assets, such as control rooms, could be a limiting factor for first adopters of the technology. Opportunities to reduce the cost of monitoring and control activities could enable early adoption, allowing economies of learning to take effect, spurring further adoption. A reduction in the number and cost intensity of control rooms and operators per deployed microreactor could significantly decrease the overall cost for a fleet of microreactors. To optimize microreactor economic competitiveness, one solution would be to establish an off-site operation facility for centralized monitoring and control (CM&C) of a fleet of microreactors. Leveraging advances in digital instrumentation and control systems could bolster the safety, reliability, and security of the remote communication architecture inherently required to operate remotely. Digital twins (DTs) are virtual replicas of physical assets which can be used for a variety of applications, including analyzing I&C signals against a validated model to perform several analysis and prediction functions. When implemented properly, DTs can potentially detect anomalies and component failures, and serve as a diagnostic tool for operators. These technologies can enhance operator understanding and awareness, reduce the management demand time on operators, and increase asset uptime by providing early alerts for failures alongside insights to aid in predictive maintenance. Furthermore, a DT system could enhance the secure and reliable communication architecture necessary for remote microreactor operation by verifying signals and suggesting or automating controls, thereby boosting their economic viability. This research examines the economic effects of various control strategies ranging from many individually and on-site controlled reactors to co-management of all microreactors in a system from a single, off-site control center. Results from the analysis are positive, revealing significant cost-reduction opportunities.

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