Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation

The ASI subprogram plans to develop the scientific basis for sensors and supporting infrastructure technology that will address crosscutting technology gaps relating to measurements at existing and advanced nuclear power plants as well as within their fuel cycles.

The focus of the program is on the following technical challenges and objectives:

• Identify needed physical measurement accuracy of nuclear system process parameters and minimize uncertainty.


• Identify and conduct research into monitoring and control technologies, including human factors, to achieve control of new nuclear energy processes, and new methodologies for monitoring to achieve high reliability and availability.


• Integrate control of multiple processes, potential reductions in staffing levels and role changes, and advanced human interaction technologies.


• Enhance communications and data transmission needed for digital technologies, their environmental and regulatory qualification, and security issues.

FY 2012 planned Accomplishments:

• Develop a detailed research plan that crosscuts key DOE programs and addresses technology risks associated with this program area


• Initiate research in the following areas:


• Advanced sensors to develop a fundamental understanding of sensor performance and to improve physical measurement accuracy and reduce uncertainty
• Novel adaptive digital monitoring and control technology to provide increases in control system performance and self-calibration capability,
• Highly integrated control systems architectures to develop and test advanced concepts, and
• Communication systems for future digital instrumentation including novel fiber optic and wireless technologies.