U.S. Department of Energy instrumentation and controls technology research for advanced small modular reactors

WOOD Richard Thomas

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Bethel Valley Road, MS-6010, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6010, United States,
(WoodRT@ornl.gov)

Abstract: Instrumentation, controls, and human-machine interfaces (ICHMI) are essential enabling technologies that strongly influence nuclear power plant performance and operational costs. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized that ICHMI research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) is needed to resolve the technical challenges that may compromise the effective and efficient utilization of modern ICHMI technology and consequently inhibit realization of the benefits offered by expanded utilization of nuclear power. Consequently, key DOE programs have substantial ICHMI RD&D elements to their respective research portfolio. This article describes current ICHMI research to support the development of advanced small modular reactors.
Keyword: nuclear energy; nuclear power plant; instrumentation and controls; human-machine interface; small modular reactor