Professor Jiamei Deng and her colleagues at Leeds Beckett University aim to prevent accidents and improve safety/security in nuclear power plants, by monitoring, detecting, and classifying faults and providing tolerant faults control systems. By using intelligent systems, they monitor and detect faults of nuclear power plants, and build robust controllers to tolerant faults. Ultimately, their aim is to create effective tools to enhance the safety and security of nuclear power plants.

Why were you passionate about this project and why is it important to the work you already do?

In recent years, clean energy sources, public health and the environment have been among the major research focal points for the UK government and societies. Nuclear power plants play a key role in reducing greenhouse gases.  A major concern with nuclear power plants is the safety, which is the key aspect we will contribute to. Our work will not only be beneficial to nuclear power plant design and operations but will also be transferable to other safety-critical systems, such as aircraft, and chemical process plants. By monitoring, detecting and accommodating faults in nuclear reactors, some key benefits that our work will contribute include: to improve the safety of nuclear power plants, to reduce mitigation costs, and to prevent radiation from affecting human beings and the environment. 

What have you enjoyed most about this collaboration?

I think this project sets up a good example for international collaboration. The work to address the safety of nuclear power plants fits well with the strategic priorities of both UK and Indian government, benefits both countries, and potentially other countries as well.  Clean energy and the environment are global things, the research on these topics is enjoyable and rewarding.

What have you learnt through this project and what's next for you?

Knowledge wise, the project of faults management of nuclear power plants requires a broad and wide knowledge base. The research areas involved include artificial intelligence, big data, signal processing and control systems, to name a few, hence a multidisciplinary project can learn a lot. Experience wise, this is a project that requires international collaboration and teamwork involving many researchers around the world, therefore a good chance to experience project management, teamwork, and global vision.  In the future, I will particularly focus on Small Modular Reactors.

Where can people find out more about the project?

You can visit the Centre for Research in Computer Science and Applications, and you can also have a look at my UK Research and Innovation page.