USA continues to lead the industry in technological modernization through the Advanced Remote Monitoring Project (ARM). This research initiative promotes a vision that sustaining nuclear’s economic competitiveness can be achieved through the application of advanced technologies.

Over the past 4 years, the USA Team has worked alongside Idaho National Laboratory (INL), industry stakeholders (DOE, NEI, NRC), university researchers and leading data scientists enabling automation of data collection, analytical capabilities fueled by Artificial Intelligence and integration with 24×7 monitoring and diagnostics services.

Recent accomplishments of the ARM Team include the following:

• Completed configuration of USA’s new cloud-based shared-services technology platform – NuSuite.
• Deployed the NuSuite Process Anomaly Detection Module for Xcel’s Prairie Island plant.
• Received monitoring code from INL and the related intellectual property license agreement with IEEE for large power transformer monitoring.
• Provided 24×7 Monitoring & Diagnostic Services for Columbia, Susquehanna and Comanche Peak from the Vistra Power Optimization Center.
• Completed engineering designs and substantially deployed equipment and instrumentation at Susquehanna and Comanche Peak.
• Completed construction of two FireWatch carts at The University of Texas, at Arlington (UTA) and delivered to Comanche Peak for testing.

The final 6-months of the ARM project are focused on execution of plant demonstrations at host plants including Columbia, Comanche Peak, Prairie Island and Susquehanna. Solutions to be demonstrated include Process Anomaly Detection, Large Transformer Monitoring, On-Line Thermal Performance, Centralized Radiation Monitoring, Automated Operator Rounds and Shiftly Surveillances and Automation of Roving Fire Watch capabilities. Upon successful conclusion and incorporation of learnings, these capabilities will be available to all USA members in support of further process modernization initiatives.

In closing, I would like to recognize and extend sincere appreciation to the ARM Project Team Leads and all of the dedicated engineering and technical support personnel across their respective organizations. It has been truly amazing to finally see the fruits of their efforts becoming a reality for the benefit of all USA members as well as the entire nuclear industry.

Thanks,

Clint Carter