Energy Exploration (E2) Center

The E2 Center offers a hands-on learning opportunity to apply nuclear science and engineering principles through simulated, real-world nuclear power plant operation scenarios. The center employs state-of-the-art computer modeling within a simulator of a NuScale small modular reactor power plant control room, allowing users to take on the role of control room operator at a 12-unit plant.

The Energy Exploration (E2) Center is an innovative learning environment that offers users a hands-on opportunity to apply nuclear science and engineering principles through simulated, real-world nuclear power plant operation scenarios.

Using state-of-the-art computer modeling within a VOYGR™-12 power plant control room simulator, the E2 Center, housed in Oregon State University’s Radiation Center, allows users to assume the role of control room operator.

Several innovative features are incorporated into the E2 Center simulator that are unique to NuScale’s VOYGR™power plant control room design, such as:

• A library of digital procedures and automations to ensure that operators are performing the correct actions on the correct unit.
• A tiered notification system that informs operators of abnormal conditions and provides alarms, cautions, and notices.
• Using fully automated sequences, operators can elect to change power, change electrical output, and control selected equipment.
• Integrated emergency procedures that graphically inform the operator of the condition of the reactor safety functions and link to applicable procedures.

Each workstation is able to view the status of any of the 12 units within the model. Workstation interfaces allow control room operators to:

• Input a set of parameters
• Run a variety of simulated scenarios
• Observe the plant’s response to these inputs

Several innovative features incorporated into the E2 Center simulator are unique to our control room design. These features allow users to engage in hands-on learning about human factors engineering, human-system interface design, advanced diagnostics, control room automation, integrated nuclear plant operation, and more.

The NuScale E2 Center at Oregon State University is the first of three installations of a NuScale power plant control room simulator at U.S. universities. These E2 Centers are supported by a 2019 U.S. Department of Energy grant to broaden the understanding of advanced nuclear technology in a control room setting and provide students, researchers, operators, and members of the public opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research and education.

Contact person: Izabela Gutowska, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering