DOE Taps Guidedwave and Sensible Photonics for Nuclear Monitoring
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Guidedwave and Sensible Photonics to advance to the final phase of a selection process to demonstrate acoustic emission technologies for automated monitoring of used nuclear fuel dry storage canisters. Managed by the Center for Used Fuel Research, the initiative aims to shift the industry away from manual, periodic inspections toward continuous, remote structural health monitoring.
Modernizing Aging Management Compliance
The DOE focused its selection process on identifying technologies capable of enabling continuous, remote monitoring of canister structural health. Under 10 CFR Part 72, nuclear utilities are legally obligated to implement aging management programs for all used fuel storage systems. Current industry standards require deploying specialized equipment for each inspection cycle.
Guidedwave and Sensible Photonics emerged from a competitive pool of former Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) award winners. According to the Idaho National Laboratory, these firms proved they could provide continuous, remote monitoring, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for repeated physical equipment deployment.
Summer Testing at Idaho National Laboratory
Both companies are scheduled to undergo pre-demonstration testing at the Idaho National Laboratory during the summer. This phase is designed to validate the performance metrics of the proposed acoustic emission systems before a final selection is made for a full-scale demonstration.
Data gathered during these tests will dictate which technology advances to a full-scale demonstration. Current plans indicate this final demonstration could occur at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) in Southern California, scheduled for early 2027.
Simulating Real-World Storage Conditions
The demonstration at SONGS will utilize a Holtec UMAX dry storage test canister. This unit will not contain actual used nuclear fuel; instead, it will be equipped with electric heaters to simulate relevant heat loads and environmental conditions.
A Scalable Solution for the National Grid
This project acts as a proof of concept for the broader nuclear energy sector. With more than 74 commercial nuclear power plants—both operating and shut down—currently storing used fuel on-site, automated monitoring offers a scalable solution for aging management. Furthermore, the DOE intends for this technology to be applicable to a future federal staging facility for used nuclear fuel, ensuring a consistent standard of safety and structural oversight for used fuel.
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