Virtual sensing-enabled digital twin framework for real-time monitoring of nuclear systems leveraging deep neural operators

Journal Article · 05 March 2025 · npj Materials Degradation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-025-00557-y · OSTI ID:2527360

Hossain, Raisa; Ahmed, Farid; Kobayashi, Kazuma; Koric, Seid; Abueidda, Diab; Alam, Syed Bahauddin

Abstract Real-time monitoring is a foundation of nuclear digital twin technology, crucial for detecting material degradation and maintaining nuclear system integrity. Traditional physical sensor systems face limitations, particularly in measuring critical parameters in hard-to-reach or harsh environments, often resulting in incomplete data coverage. Machine learning-driven virtual sensors offer a transformative solution by complementing physical sensors in monitoring critical degradation indicators. This paper introduces the use of Deep Operator Networks (DeepONet) to predict key thermal-hydraulic parameters in the hot leg of pressurized water reactor. DeepONet acts as a virtual sensor, mapping operational inputs to spatially distributed system behaviors without requiring frequent retraining. Our results show that DeepONet achieves low mean squared and Relative L2 error, making predictions 1400 times faster than traditional CFD simulations . These characteristics enable DeepONet to function as a real-time virtual sensor, synchronizing with the physical system to track degradation conditions and provide insights within the digital twin framework for nuclear systems.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 2527360
• Journal Information: npj Materials Degradation, Journal Name: npj Materials Degradation Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 9; ISSN 2397-2106
• Publisher: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English