Digital twin at ORNL brings small modular reactor technologies one step closer to market
Work on a digital twin for next-generation reactors fits directly into the national lab's legacy of firsts in nuclear innovations.
New research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ONRL) shares how digital tools could accelerate the path forward for small modular reactors.
In partnership with the University of Tennessee (UT) and GE Vernova Hitachi, ORNL researchers have developed a risk-informed digital twin that could strengthen both the economic case and the safety profile of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) design.
The virtual model mirrors plant operations and continuously updates as new data comes in.
“This research moves the needle for SMRs, providing a vital tool to make smarter, faster decisions while keeping costs down,” said Michael Muhlheim of ORNL.
SMRs are designed to be more scalable and less costly to construct than traditional nuclear plants. Adding a digital twin gives operators a clearer view of equipment health, system performance, and the evolving probability of component failures. Additionally, the digital twins can identify potential problems before they interrupt operations.
The ORNL team designed its system to track reactor conditions in real time while applying probabilistic risk assessment to guide decisions about maintenance and operations. The approach could benefit both next-generation reactors and today’s nuclear fleet.
ORNL has been shaping nuclear innovation for more than 80 years
The lab designed and operated the world’s first continuously running nuclear reactor and later built the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment, which remains a global reference point for advanced reactor design. Work on a digital twin for next-generation reactors fits directly into the national lab’s legacy of firsts.
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