Technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence and digital modernization, help the nuclear power industry upgrade its fleet as plant operators extend operations through subsequent license renewals. Three Sargent & Lundy nuclear professionals will deliver presentations on artificial intelligence and digital modernization and serve on panels at the American Nuclear Society’s Annual Conference in Chicago June 15-18. Their participation is part of the Nuclear Plant Instrumentation and Control & Human-Machine Interface Technology embedded topical conference. The firm is also a conference sponsor and will be at Exhibit Table 36 to discuss its work during the conference.
David Hooten, senior manager of digital instrumentation and controls at Sargent & Lundy, will be part of a panel Tuesday focusing on the “Acceptance of Commercial-off-the-Shelf Digital Equipment” for nuclear safety-related applications. As part of the discussion, Hooten will present “EPRI Research on Efficacy of Safety Integrity Level Certification Process,” following up on his 2019 report, which continues to serve as the technical basis for using IEC 61508 SIL certification to support acceptance of commercial digital equipment in nuclear safety-related applications.
Sargent & Lundy Project Director Pareez Golub will speak on a panel Wednesday discussing “Digital Modernization of Plant Protection Systems.” Along with panelists from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and a plant operator, Golub will share insights on current digital I&C modernization programs, successes, challenges, and potential issues for integrating current plant controls and safety systems into all-digital modern control rooms.
As part of the discussion on AI and machine learning Wednesday, Senior Engineer Christianna Howard will present a paper she co-authored with Shawn Belling of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering and Sargent & Lundy Project Manager John McCague. The paper, “Artificial Intelligence Application for Cost-Benefit Analysis of Digital Upgrades for Nuclear Power Plants,” explores using trained, agentic models to analyze the safety, regulatory, energy production impact, and other variables to help stakeholders reach better informed decisions.
In addition to the technical sessions, Howard will speak about her first-hand experience in the industry on a panel for early career professionals. Panelists will discuss challenges they’ve faced, their contributions to the industry, and the importance of collaboration and mentorship in professional growth to build a supporting environment.
Sargent & Lundy is a nuclear industry leader and currently provides services, including digital modernization, to over 90 plants in the U.S. and internationally.
