Panels & Workshops

This panel session will discuss the development of digital twin systems used to monitor dynamic performance operation of existing power plants. The fundamental change of operating existing power plants due to the penetration of non-dispatchable resources exposed traditional power assets to follow aggressive ramps to guarantee electric load operations. Real time models and digital twin environments are becoming powerful tools used to monitor performance of existing power plants that can also support the development of new control strategies to achieve near-zero emission targets. Regarding the monitoring of existing power plants, digital twin model supports the prompt detection of abnormal operations and the optimization of scheduled maintenance and repair services of operators, which will avoid costly forced shutdowns, thereby increasing plant availability. Regarding the development of control strategies for new energy systems, digital twin can reduce the risk of failures and facilitate the integration of new low/zero carbon technologies. The panelists in this session will cover the state-of-the-art of digital twin systems and their application in the energy field.

This panel will look at two topics of the nuclear Industry – current activity on operating plants and future trends.

For currently operating nuclear plants, financial incentives, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, served as a catalyst for many nuclear plants to extend their operating licenses and support continued operation. Reversals of nuclear plant closures on units at Diablo Canyon and Palisades are some recent examples of a turn-around in the industry with unprecedented investment in North American nuclear plants that is challenging the supply chain.

Significant engineering and manufacturing resources are needed to support the existing nuclear fleet. Active support includes thermal uprates and engineering studies to maximize the operating unit output, potential equipment upgrades to support continued operation and increased steam productions, and the on-going manufacturing and logistical challenges and mitigations being used to support these nuclear plants.

For future trends, a recent study by DOE found that hundreds of coal power plant sites across the country could be repurposed to nuclear power plant sites. This would dramatically increase the supply of reliable, dispatchable, clean electricity to the grid and deliver huge gains to the nation's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Also, the recent surge in small modular reactor (SMR) development offers a game-changing solution for our energy future. SMRs hold promise not only for clean electricity generation but also for providing heat and power to remote areas, resource extraction sites, and heavy industries. Additionally, they can play a crucial role in enabling a clean hydrogen economy.

This panel will explore how the nuclear industry, through operational excellence of the current fleet, advancements like SMRs and other novel concepts, can accelerate the transition to a net-zero emissions economy.

The "Journey to Sustainability" panel brings together experts, innovators, and leaders from various sectors to explore the path towards a more sustainable future. The panel focuses on innovative solutions and technologies that engineers are developing to address pressing environmental challenges. From renewable energy systems and sustainable materials to strategies for reducing carbon footprints, this panel highlights how engineering principles are being reconceptualized to create a more sustainable world. Attendees will gain insights into the integration of sustainability into engineering practices, the challenges faced, and the opportunities for future advancements. The session will also feature case studies and real-world examples showcasing successful sustainable research projects, illustrating the path forward in our collective journey to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Investor-owned and public power utilities share related concerns to environmental compliance and timing issues with the GreenHouse Gas (GHG) Rules, Good Neighbor Plan, Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), Coal and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (ELGs), and Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR). This panel will address how EGUs are planning for this suite of rules.

All these rules have been challenged or will be challenged in the courts. The panel will look at how they plan to integrate more non-baseload resources, reliability, and supply chain issues during this time of great uncertainty.

Join us for an early career engineer professional skills session in the power of self-branding and networking workshops with prizes!

This event is a 2 part workshop to better your professional skills as an engineer. We will give you a formula for developing a self branding pitch as an engineer to highlight your skills and efforts. This presentation will finish with time to work on your self branding pitch with prizes for the bravest of participants!

The Power of Networking panel will follow, where you will hear of lived experiences of ASME professional members who speak about how ASME has empowered their journey as engineers and given them connections that are critical to their career today. Questions will be opened up for participants followed by a networking game!

Schedule of Events:
Self Branding Lecture (Tips and Tricks!) - 3:00 - 3:15
Self Branding Workshop (Develop your own and try it out!) - 3:20 - 3:45

Prizes!

Break

The Power of Networking, Panel Stories - 3:50 - 4:05
Networking Game - 4:05 - 4:25

Prizes!

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Moderators: Jackie Sharp, Michel Khoueiry and Maya Reslan