National University Consortium
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology , one of the nation's top nuclear research institutions, will initially lead the NUC team. MIT will provide its extensive background in nuclear science and engineering research to CAES . They will provide their experience specifically in the ACE for Advanced Energy System. The University of New Mexico is leading the direction of spACE nuclear power research and development. CAES will work closely with INL in the production of radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs) for NASA's deep-sp ACE missions. RTG s are already produced at INL — and DOE is moving to consolidate RTG research activities through INL and CAES .
North Carolina State University is known for its expertise in modeling and simulation. It will provide significant expertise as INL stands up the ACE for the Center for Advanced Modeling and Simulation (CAMS) as a key research contributor to advanced energy studies. CAMS, one of four new advanced research centers associated with CAES , will provide supercomputer modeling capabilities needed for research in optimizing the design of new nuclear reactors.
The Ohio State University will provide strategic direction and guidance in the development of research related to ACE for the Instrumentation and Control (I&C) and Safety of advanced energy systems. The nuclear power industry is rapidly developing advanced control and operator interf ACE systems based on digital computers. The potential for increased safety through digital systems will be of increasing importance as nuclear power production continues to increase around the world. Advanced I&C also contributes to increased efficiency and capacity utilization. It will be a significant aspect of the design and operation of the coming generations of nuclear power reactors. Oregon State University will contribute expertise in ACE for the Thermal Hydraulics and Safety. This is a key research area for the advanced reactor systems INL will design and demonstrate through DOE's Next Generation Nuclear Plant program, the Generation IV international initiative, and the Hydrogen Initiative that will produce hydrogen through the use of nuclear power.