Amidst the worldwide drive for carbon-neutral energy, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are surfacing as a viable option, delivering stable, low-carbon electricity with a modular structure that enables efficient deployment in isolated areas, disaster recovery locations, and industrial facilities.

Nonetheless, their mobility and accessibility raise security concerns that need to be resolved prior to large-scale implementation. Due to the high worth of nuclear materials, SMRs situated in volatile territories are susceptible to theft, sabotage, and cyber threats. To alleviate these dangers and foster confidence in nuclear power, SMR security must include sophisticated surveillance, real-time monitoring, and strong containment tactics.

This challenge was presented by Los Alamos National Laboratories to student teams participating in Aggies Invent, an intensive design competition organized by the Meloy Program within the College of Engineering, where one team achieved first place with their groundbreaking security strategy designed to protect microreactors, confirming they can deliver on their promise as a reliable energy source.

Team Intrux developed a sophisticated system intended to prevent unauthorized entry and safeguard valuable nuclear fuel. With the slogan, “Safeguarding the Future of Energy,” their solution incorporates RFID tracking, thermal and traditional cameras as well as AI-driven monitoring within the reactor’s transportation container to identify potential threats. A network consisting of six LiDAR sensors, door access sensors, and GPS tracking ensures uninterrupted surveillance, connecting real-time communication to remote response teams through satellite.

“We discovered that many current security methods encounter obstacles like environmental constraints, accuracy compromises, and scalability challenges. This influenced our strategy by highlighting the necessity for multi-tiered verification, sensor integration, and real-time adaptability,” stated Vobugari Raja Karthik, a graduate student in computer science and team member.

“Rather than depending on a single technique, we investigated how merging various technologies might improve reliability and functionality,” Karthik remarked.

The team emphasized commercial feasibility, presenting a comprehensive cost analysis with an anticipated expense of merely $17,000.

Intrux acknowledges the potential of its innovation and is looking for avenues to refine it further and implement it in practical situations.

“Our solution is extremely practical,” claimed Alex Alcott, a general engineering student and team member. “Intrux combines existing technologies in a novel manner, ensuring adjustability and having the potential to greatly enhance microreactor safety while expanding access to secure nuclear energy.”

Through the Meloy Program’s collaborations with industries, engineering students gain invaluable opportunities to partner for 48 hours with multidisciplinary teams to address real-world engineering problems. This distinctive environment promotes constructive feedback and crucial connections, allowing students to refine their concepts with expert input from faculty and industry professionals.

“Aggies Invent is one of the finest opportunities to challenge yourself, connect with remarkable individuals, and actually create something significant in just a weekend,” expressed sophomore mechanical engineering student Divan Louis Begemann.

“When else do you get the chance to engage with a real-world issue alongside a team of enthusiastic, inventive individuals all collaborating under pressure? It’s intense, yet that’s what adds excitement. The buzz in the room, the late-night brainstorming, that eureka moment — it’s all truly rewarding.”

Discover more about Aggies Invent and how to participate.