Dane Sabo
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A Writing/ERLM/SaboOnePager.pdf M Writing/ERLM/dane_proposal_format.cls A Writing/ERLM/goals-and-outcomes/research_statement.tex D Writing/ERLM/goals-and-outcomes/v6.tex M Writing/ERLM/main.aux M Writing/ERLM/main.fdb_latexmk M Writing/ERLM/main.fls M Writing/ERLM/main.log
102 lines
5.2 KiB
TeX
102 lines
5.2 KiB
TeX
\section*{Formal Synthesis of Hybrid Controllers for Nuclear Power}
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\subsection*{PI: Dane Sabo, NRC Fellow, University of Pittsburgh \\\today}
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% GOAL PARAGRAPH
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The goal of this research is to develop a methodology for creating autonomous
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hybrid control systems with guarantees of safe and correct
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behavior.
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% INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH Hook
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Nuclear power plants require the highest levels of control system reliability,
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where failures can result in significant economic losses, service interruptions,
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or radiological release. Currently, nuclear power relies on extensively trained
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operators who follow detailed written procedures to manage reactor control.
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These operators make critical decisions about when to switch between control
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objectives based on their interpretation of plant conditions and procedural guidance.
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% Gap
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However, this reliance on human operators prevents autonomous control and
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creates an economic challenge for next-generation nuclear power plants. Small modular
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reactors face significantly higher per-megawatt staffing costs than conventional
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plants, threatening their economic viability. Autonomous control systems are
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needed that can safely manage complex operational sequences with the same
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assurance as human-operated systems, but without constant supervision.
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% APPROACH PARAGRAPH Solution
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To address this need, we will combine formal methods with control theory to
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build hybrid control systems that are correct by construction.
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% Rationale
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Hybrid systems use discrete logic to switch between continuous dynamic modes,
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similar to how operators change control strategies. Existing formal methods can
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generate provably correct switching logic with reactive synthesis, but cannot
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incorporate continuous dynamics or hybrid system transitions. Traditional
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control theory verifies continuous behavior but lacks tools for proving discrete
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switching correctness.
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% Hypothesis
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We will combine tools from these two fields to build autonomous hybrid control
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systems that are correct by construction. We will formalize existing procedures
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into logical specifications and verify that continuous dynamics satisfy
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transition requirements between discrete modes.
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% Pay-off
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This approach will enable autonomous control in nuclear power plants while
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maintaining required safety standards.
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\vspace{11pt}
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% OUTCOMES PARAGRAPHS
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If this research is successful, we will be able to do the following:
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\begin{enumerate}
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% OUTCOME 1 Title
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\item \textbf{Synthesize written procedures into verified control logic.}
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% Strategy
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We will develop a methodology for converting written operating procedures
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into formal specifications. These specifications can be automatically
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synthesized into discrete control logic using reactive synthesis tools. This
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process uses structured intermediate representations to bridge natural
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language and mathematical logic.
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% Outcome
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Control engineers will be able to generate verified mode-switching controllers
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from regulatory procedures with little formal methods expertise, reducing
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barriers to high-assurance control systems.
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% OUTCOME 2 Title
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\item \textbf{Verify continuous control behavior across mode transitions.}
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% Strategy
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We will establish methods for analyzing continuous control modes to ensure
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they satisfy discrete transition requirements. Using classical control
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theory for linear systems and reachability analysis for nonlinear dynamics,
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we verify each continuous mode safely reaches intended transitions.
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% Outcome
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Engineers will be able to design continuous controllers using standard practices while
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ensuring system correctness and proving mode transitions occur safely at the
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right times.
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% OUTCOME 3 Title
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\item \textbf{Demonstrate autonomous reactor startup control with safety
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guarantees.}
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% Strategy
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We will apply this methodology to develop an autonomous controller for
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nuclear reactor startup. We will implement this methodology on a small modular reactor
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simulation using industry-standard control hardware. This trial will include
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multiple coordinated control modes from cold shutdown through
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criticality to power operation.
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% Outcome
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This will provide evidence that autonomous hybrid control can be realized with
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current equipment, establishing a path toward reducing operator staffing
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while maintaining safety.
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\end{enumerate}
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% IMPACT PARAGRAPH Innovation
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The innovation is unifying discrete synthesis and continuous verification to
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enable end-to-end correctness guarantees for hybrid systems.
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% Outcome Impact
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If successful, control engineers will be able to create autonomous controllers from existing
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procedures with mathematical proof of correct behavior, making high-assurance
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autonomous control practical for safety-critical applications.
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% Impact/Pay-off
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This capability is essential for economic viability of next-generation nuclear
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power. Small modular reactors represent a promising solution to growing energy
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demands, but success depends on reducing per-megawatt operating costs through
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increased autonomy. This research will provide the tools to achieve that autonomy
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while maintaining the exceptional safety record required by the nuclear industry.
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