France’s Framatome has recently signed a partnership agreement and Metroscope, a software subsidiary of the EDF Group, to deliver performance diagnostic and modelling tools to nuclear customers worldwide.
This technology uses digital twins and artificial intelligence embedded in a high performing software application to perform diagnoses for optimal plant operations.
“Emerging technologies are shaping the future of nuclear energy. We are at the forefront in delivering engineering services through partnerships and dedicated programs in the field of artificial intelligence and reactor digital twins modelling,” said Catherine Cornand, senior executive vice president of Installed Base Business Unit at Framatome. “Partnering with Metroscope provides operators critical information and early detection for improved performance, while generating immediate savings for our customers.”
The digital twin design consists of a physics model with specialised calibration to plant data and embedded operational experience. Engineering expertise in thermal-hydraulic modelling and plant performance analysis is critical in the role of developing digital twin modelling. Framatome’s engineering teams will develop the digital twin model, and Metroscope will deliver its break-through software along with support and user training to customers worldwide.
Metroscope supplements Framatome’s diagnostics offerings as it is focused on the nuclear secondary circuit performance. Also, by identifying risks or anomalies early on the secondary side, Framatome and Metroscope provide nuclear operators with unrivalled ability to optimise their production and anticipate maintenance needs.
“By teaming up with Framatome, our startup enters a new phase of development,” said Aurélien Schwartz, Metroscope CEO. “Together, we will benefit from having the best experts deliver our technology to nuclear plants worldwide.”
Metroscope’s software was awarded the 2019 Nuclear Innovation of the Year by SFEN (French Nuclear Energy Society). It is now in use on 40 units within the EDF fleet to supervise the electricity production with plans to complete the entire fleet in France. Active projects in Europe and North America address both nuclear and fossil generation as well as data center cooling system applications.
