Adapting Picogrid Platform as Modular Operational Command/Control System (MOCS)

The Department of Energy recognizes the importance of advanced and small nuclear reactors for the future of nuclear energy in the United States but acknowledges that the physical protection costs associated with these reactors pose a significant challenge to their deployment. To address this, the DOE is looking to improve nuclear reactor security and reduce physical protection costs to increase their competitiveness with other electrical generation sources while reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation. A distributed network of small nuclear reactors will require effective command and control (C2) systems to oversee physical security operations. The next generation of nuclear facilities will address this critical operational need by adopting the Picogrid Platform as the Modular Operational Command/Control System (MOCS). MOCS will be a highly interoperable and modular software providing a single pane of glass for physical security. During Phase I, the project performers: (1) documented the future processes (e.g. integration with police departments, private security & the military) and technologies (e.g. sensors/surveillance) for microreactor physical security, (2) designed an adaptation of the Picogrid Platform for the mission needs of the Department of Energy Advanced and Small Reactor Sites and (3) completed preliminary feasibility studies and designed a demonstration for Phase II. Phase II research will adapt the Picogrid Platform into a Modular Operational Command/Control System (MOCS), aimed at resolving any existing technological gaps that currently hinder the effective utilization of the platform at small nuclear reactor sites. The objectives include enhancing the platform to support diverse user workflows, which is crucial for effective collaboration with emergency services and private security firms. Additionally, it will integrate advanced weather monitoring and infrastructure sensing capabilities to enhance responsiveness to environmental challenges. Testing and validation will occur in a simulated small nuclear reactor facility to evaluate the functionality, scalability, and interoperability of MOCS within a nuclear reactor security context. This project is expected to yield a technology fully prepared for deployment within nuclear facilities. The continuation of the project into Phase II and III will have public benefits, including the development of advanced and small nuclear reactors that are more competitive with other electrical generation sources, reduced physical protection costs, and increased nuclear security. The benefits of MOCS will include (1) allowing unattended and remote operations of microreactors, (2) providing significant reductions in operating costs.