vault backup: 2025-07-23 16:49:58

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Dane Sabo 2025-07-23 16:49:58 -04:00
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"Aircraft": 288,
"Atmospheric-modeling": 289,
"runtime-safety-assurance": 290,
"Unmanned-Aerial-Systems-UAS": 291
"Unmanned-Aerial-Systems-UAS": 291,
"Small-modular-reactor": 292,
"Advanced-sensors": 293,
"Automation-levels": 294,
"Digital-twin": 295,
"Fission-battery": 296,
"Microreactor": 297,
"Reduced-order-model": 298,
"Remote-operation": 299
},
"_version": 3
}

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---
authors:
- "Alberti, Anthony L."
- "Agarwal, Vivek"
- "Gutowska, Izabela"
- "Palmer, Camille J."
- "de Oliveira, Cassiano R. E."
citekey: "albertiAutomationLevelsNuclear2023"
publish_date: 2023-03-01
journal: "Progress in Nuclear Energy"
volume: 157
pages: 104559
last_import: 2025-07-23
---
# Indexing Information
Published: 2023-03
**DOI**
[10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104559](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104559)
#Small-modular-reactor, #Advanced-sensors, #Artificial-intelligence, #Automation-levels, #Digital-twin, #Fission-battery, #Microreactor, #Reduced-order-model
#ToRead
>[!Abstract]
>This work serves to propose updated levels of automation for nuclear reactor operations, as a result of considering long-term economic and commercial ambitions of the advanced reactor developer community. As in other fields such as road-going vehicles and aviation, reactor technologies can benefit from modern automation through the resulting reduction in operations and maintenance costs, while still maintaining the current industry standards regarding safety, resilience, reliability, overall performance, and the capacity for root-cause analysis. The current guidelines on automation levels, as published by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Section 9 of NUREG-0700, reflect outdated design principles that implicitly limit the potential of automation innovation for reactor operations, particularly in regard to advanced reactors intended to operate in remote locations or be used for off-grid applications. Motivated by the operational paradigms anticipated for future reactor designs, we propose a six-level approach that aligns with contemporary automation concepts as well as automation level definitions from other non-nuclear safetycritical industries. These levels build upon the current guidelines in order to enable next-generation nuclear reactor technologies to become increasingly economically competitive and commercially viable relative to competing power generation sources. Using a hypothetical heat removal reactor transient, we provide examples of how the humanmachine interactions change at each level of automation, ranging from traditional operator control (Level 0) to operator-free unattended operations (Level 5)—the latter being one of the key attributes proposed at the Fission Battery Initiative led by Idaho National Laboratory. Finally, we critically examine the identified challenges, knowledge gaps, and enabling technologies to achieve advanced levels of automation.>[!seealso] Related Papers
>
# Annotations
## Notes
![[Notes on Papers/Automation levels for nuclear reactor operations- A revised perspective.md]]
## Highlights From Zotero
>[!fail] This ain't right
> providing approximately 55% of all emissions-free electricity in the U.S.
> 2024-12-25 5:57 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> complicated by the high up-front capital and financing costs and long construction times associated with bringing new power plants online.
> 2024-12-25 5:58 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Though effective and proven reliable, the analog technology employed at nuclear plants requires frequent surveillance, inspections, and testing
> 2024-12-25 6:01 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> modern technology has now enabled differing degrees of automation and reduced O&M costs in nearly every industry across the globe.
> 2024-12-25 6:01 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> have expressed interest in utilizing varying degrees of automation in their designs and operation
> 2024-12-25 6:03 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> However, we find that if only these factors are considered, the current guidelines on automation levels do not align with long-term economic and commercial goals of the advanced reactor community—particularly in regard to the operational characteristics of FBs
> 2024-12-25 6:05 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> ultimately rely on a human-in-the-loop to monitor plant performance and intervene when necessary.
> 2024-12-25 6:06 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> The advent of novel SMRs, MRs, and targeted FB attributes has challenged many of the premises that underline the limitations of the levels of automation.
> 2024-12-25 6:09 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Unlike previous definitions of automation levels (Proud and Hart, 2005; Kaber and Endsley, 2003; OHara and Fleger, 2020; Billings, 1997; Sheridan, 2002),
> 2024-12-25 6:10 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Per these efforts, Table 3 reflects six levels of automation, ranging from purely manual (i.e., human driver) control to a fully automated, human-out-of-the-loop vehicle
> 2024-12-25 6:16 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> from Level 3 to Level 4, at which point we observe a tipping point in automation, such that vehicles can be manufactured as autonomously operated machines, the classical interpretation of a drivers seat is no longer required, and vehicle cabins can be radically redesigned to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.
> 2024-12-25 6:17 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> In this section, we use the definitions and concepts presented in Section 2 to reformulate the current regulatory-accepted automation level guidelines (Table 1) in order to better support the ambitions of
> 2024-12-25 6:19 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> the advanced reactor developer community. We do not intend for these levels to be prescriptive, but rather to provide a framework for future discussions and follow-on work.
> 2024-12-25 6:20 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Table 5 are not prescriptive for an entire reactor system, but rather a particular task or set of tasks; different tasks may be suited to different automation levels.
> 2024-12-25 6:47 pm
>
## Follow-Ups

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---
authors:
- "Stevens, Kaeley Renee"
- "Oncken, Joseph Eugene"
- "Bryan, Haydn C."
- "Gutowska, Izabela"
- "Ulrich, Thomas A."
- "Boring PhD, Ronald Laurids"
- "Culler, Megan Jordan"
citekey: "stevensOpportunitiesChallengesRemote2023"
publish_date: 2023-07-15
last_import: 2025-07-23
---
# Indexing Information
Published: 2023-07
#ToRead
>[!Abstract]
>The nuclear industry is developing new advanced reactor technologies, and many companies are embracing this advancement by pursuing the development of microreactors. The term microreactor generally refers to a nuclear reactor with an operating power of 20 MW or less. The power range of microreactors makes them appealing for many use cases, such as powering remote communities, mining sites, and military bases. Most of the microreactor designs being pursued will incorporate remote facility operations into the final product. However, no framework has yet been developed to determine what remote operations systems require for reliable, resilient, and secure operation of a microreactor. This work identifies the challenges unique to remote operations and monitoring for microreactors specifically regarding instrumentation and control, communication methods, regulatory requirements, and operational policies. The types of commands and sensor measurements that must be transmitted between the facilities as well as methods for verifying the trustworthiness of these signals are assessed. This work evaluates the security, reliability, and performance requirements that must be met when considering the selection of communication hardware and protocols for use in remote operations. Also, an assessment was performed to study how remote operations fit within current regulatory requirements and what may need to be updated in regulatory policy to allow for remote operation. Finally, the operational contingencies unique to remote operations that must be in place for response to abnormal events are identified. This paper details these challenges and research opportunities to provide a foundation for the design of remote operation systems.>[!seealso] Related Papers
>
# Annotations
## Notes
![[Notes on Papers/Opportunities and Challenges for Remote Microreactor Operations.md]]
## Highlights From Zotero
## Follow-Ups

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---
authors:
- "Stevens, Kaeley"
- "Oncken, Joseph"
- "Boring, Ronald"
- "Ulrich, Thomas"
- "Culler, Megan"
- "Bryan, Haydn"
- "Browning, Jeren"
- "Gutowska, Izabela"
citekey: "stevensOpportunitiesChallengesResearch2024"
publish_date: 2024-12-01
journal: "Nuclear Technology"
volume: 210
issue: 12
pages: 2257-2273
last_import: 2025-07-23
---
# Indexing Information
Published: 2024-12
**DOI**
[10.1080/00295450.2024.2344903](https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2024.2344903)
#Microreactor, #digital-twin, #remote-operation
#ToRead
>[!Abstract]
>As the nuclear industry develops new advanced reactor technologies, many companies are embracing this advancement by pursuing the development of microreactors. The term microreactor generally refers to a nuclear reactor with an operating power of 20 MW(thermal) or less. The power range of microreactors makes them appealing for many use cases, such as powering remote communities, mining sites, and military bases. Most of the microreactor designs being pursued are expected to incorporate remote facility operations into the final product. However, no framework has yet been developed to determine what remote operations systems require for reliable, resilient, and secure operation of a microreactor. This work identifies the research needs for challenges that are unique to remote operations and monitoring for microreactors, specifically regarding instrumentation and control, communication methods, regulatory requirements, and operational policies. The types of commands and sensor measurements that must be transmitted between the facilities, as well as methods for verifying the trustworthiness of these signals, are assessed. This work evaluates the security, reliability, and performance requirements that must be met when considering the selection of communication hardware and protocols for use in remote operations. Also, an assessment was performed to study how remote operations fit within current regulatory requirements and what may need to be updated in regulatory policy to allow for remote operation. Finally, the operational contingencies unique to remote operations that must be in place for responses to abnormal events are identified. This paper identifies the challenges and research opportunities within the areas of importance for the design of remote operation systems.>[!seealso] Related Papers
>
# Annotations
## Notes
![[Notes on Papers/Opportunities, Challenges, and Research Needs for Remote Microreactor Operations.md]]
## Highlights From Zotero
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Microreactors are being considered for use in remote locations, which introduces a unique set of challenges. There is uncertainty concerning development costs, undefined licensing requirements, and the ability of microcompetitive reactors to be cost
> 2024-12-25 11:54 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Implementing remote operations for microreactors has the potential to greatly improve the economics of the facility.
> 2024-12-25 11:54 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> so it may be difficult to find the number of qualified staff that would be necessary for onsite operation.
> 2024-12-25 11:54 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> A semi-autonomous remote operating system could allow for operation from a centralized location while also reducing the necessary number of staff. It could even be possible to operate and monitor multiple microreactor sites from one centrally located remote operating center.
> 2024-12-25 11:56 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> While remote operations applications for other industries do exist, they have not been pursued in the nuclear industry where heightened safety concerns for nuclear applications produce caution.
> 2024-12-25 6:59 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> This paper discusses the challenges and research needs in four focus areas: instrumentation and control (I&C), communications, regulation, and human factors.
> 2024-12-26 8:07 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> remote operation and monitoring of microreactors are crucial for the successful application of microreactor technology.
> 2024-12-26 8:10 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> with specific technological constraints or high-cost, next-best alternatives.
> 2024-12-26 8:12 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Historically, primary costs drivers of nuclear plants have included construction management and onsite labor.[
> 2024-12-26 8:12 am
>
>[!done] Important
> Remote operation of microreactors can improve these significant cost drivers by reducing construction costs (by eliminating the need to build a complete control system onsite) and labor costs (because many microreactors could be operated simultaneously from a centralized hub in an area with lower labor costs).
> 2024-12-26 8:12 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Early adoption of any technology is critical for its continued success in the commercial space.
> 2024-12-26 8:13 am
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Remote operation capabilities, as enabled by digital-twin technology, may stand as a make-or-break factor for microreactor economic competitiveness for early adopters.
> 2024-12-25 12:03 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> A remote operation system for a microreactor intended to power a mining site may require different sensors to obtain the information needed for operation than a microreactor powering a hospital, for instance.
> 2024-12-25 12:03 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Another essential aspect of the remote operation system in determining its I&C requirements would be the level of automation desired for the system.
> 2024-12-25 12:04 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> A low level of automation integrated with a remote operations system may involve an operator at the remote operations center sending a power-level request to the reactor, while an automated control system for the reactor that maneuvers the reactivity control actuators to positions that meet the requested power level. A high level of automation, integrated with a remote operations system, may replicate an autonomous control system located at the reactor, making power-level decisions and executing the power change without human involvement except for human monitoring of the performance of the autonomous system.
> 2024-12-25 12:04 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Ramuhalli and Cetiner discussed many concepts for operation,[ [14] autonomous such as the various requirements, concepts, and potential approaches for autonomous microreactor operation. A key concept for these operation systems is the degree of automation, which is increased by gradually incorporating more autonomy, where the system has the ability to “reason” and make decisions on operations that can be performed without human input or guidance, to the system. Increased autonomy of operation increases the potential for machine error, but reduces the need for human intervention. It is important to find an ideal level of autonomy for the remote operation system that considers the tradeoffs involving reduced staffing, system complexity, operaetc.[ tional flexibility,
> 2024-12-25 12:04 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> its economic benefit by allowing for a reduction in staffing requirements and increasing the number of microreactors that could be monitored from one remote operations facility.
> 2024-12-26 12:45 pm
>
>[!highlight] Highlight
> Sheridan.
> 2024-12-26 12:46 pm
>
>[!done] Important
> The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) provides guidelines for automation in reactor operations 0700.[ [17] in section 9 of NUREG-0 However, it has been noted that if consideration is limited to these guidelines, they would not “align with long-term economic and commercial goals of the advanced reactor community.”[
> 2024-12-26 12:47 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Defining the systems autonomous control levels will help identify the necessary sensor measurements to be transmitted from the reactor to the remote operations system.
> 2024-12-26 12:48 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Higher levels of autonomy (more detailed commands) would lead to a more complex verification system.
> 2024-12-26 12:48 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> The communication system that supports remote operation of a microreactor must also support the operational requirements for remote monitoring and control, the reliability requirements for integration with power systems, and the security requirements for protecting the integrity and availability of the system.
> 2024-12-25 12:05 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> While remote operations are common in many industries, the fact that the proposed operation of a microreactor would include a remotely operated critical infrastructure industrial control system (ICS) makes the security and reliability of the system of utmost importance.
> 2024-12-26 12:50 pm
>
>[!fail] This ain't right
> Standard best practices for securing traffic across networks will also help reduce the risk of cybersecurity events. H
> 2024-12-26 1:00 pm
>
>[!done] Important
> Historically, the power system leverages masterslave, unencrypted protocol schemes that enable fast, easy access to data. However, these systems were designed to be closed loop, isolated from the Internet. Now, best practices recommend protocols that use encryption, authentication, and nonrepudiation of transmitted information
> 2024-12-26 1:01 pm
>
>[!done] Important
> These standard practices help ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data.
> 2024-12-26 1:12 pm
>
>[!done] Important
> digital-twin technology can be used to validate that the sensor data received match the expected measurements, and the received commands do not jeopardize safe operation of the system.
> 2024-12-26 1:12 pm
>
>[!done] Important
> represents application layer additions to the design of the communication network.
> 2024-12-26 1:20 pm
>
>[!done] Important
> Checking the data with digital-twin intelligence can help identify problems in the communication network that may be relevant for operator awareness or response.
> 2024-12-26 1:20 pm
>
## Follow-Ups

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---
authors:
- "Bryan, Haydn C."
- "Jesse, Katherine W."
- "Miller, Charles A."
- "Browning, Jeren M."
citekey: "bryanRemoteNuclearMicroreactors2023"
publish_date: 2023-12-21
journal: "Frontiers in Nuclear Engineering"
volume: 2
last_import: 2025-07-23
---
# Indexing Information
Published: 2023-12
**DOI**
[10.3389/fnuen.2023.1293908](https://doi.org/10.3389/fnuen.2023.1293908)
#Economics, #Microreactor, #Digital-Twin, #fission-battery, #Remote-operation
#InFirstPass
>[!Abstract]
>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.>[!seealso] Related Papers
>
# Annotations
## Notes
![[Notes on Papers/Remote nuclear microreactors- a preliminary economic evaluation of digital twins and centralized offsite control.md]]
## Highlights From Zotero
>[!warning] Dubious
> on-site human monitoring, control, and manual physical maintenance of microreactors can be costlyparticularly
> 2024-12-26 7:54 pm
>
>[!warning] Dubious
> Their form factor, technological capabilities, and transportability (whether from a manufacturing center to a final operational locationor even mobility between multiple locations of operation) make them great candidates for a variety of scenarios.
> 2024-12-26 7:55 pm
>
>[!warning] Dubious
> but a central concern is that the capital and operational costs to monitor and control microreactors must be minimized for expected first adopters of the technology.
> 2024-12-26 7:55 pm
>
>[!warning] Dubious
> achieve economic competitiveness against alternatives to justify microreactor utilization.
> 2024-12-26 7:55 pm
>
>[!warning] Dubious
> DTs are a digital replicant of a physical asset and all its component entities.
> 2024-12-26 8:13 pm
>
>[!warning] Dubious
> his collection of a united dataset allows for advanced data analytics processes, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), to be used in the generation of predictive models.
> 2024-12-26 8:14 pm
>
>[!warning] Dubious
> Remote communication is critical for DTs that enable remote operation and control. Remote operation and control of physical assets requires bidirectional wireless transmission of data to and from an off-site location
> 2024-12-26 8:14 pm
>
## Follow-Ups