With TENMAK TAGEP Support, ITU Develops a 3D Digital Twin of the TRIGA MARK II Reactor

The project prepared under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Hatice Sözer, faculty member at the Energy Institute of Istanbul Technical University (ITU), has been awarded support within the scope of TENMAK Research and Development Projects (TAGEP) – Nuclear Reactor Technologies Call.

Titled “Multifaceted Performance Improvement in Multipurpose Research and Training Reactors through a 3D Digital Twin,” the project is planned to be completed in 24 months with a budget of approximately 5 million TL. Within the scope of the project, the three-dimensional digital twin model to be developed for the ITU TRIGA MARK II Research Reactor aims to deliver significant gains in nuclear safety and operational efficiency by integrating real-time monitoring, AI-supported decision-making mechanisms, and scenario-based training modules into a single secure platform.

The interdisciplinary project team, led by Prof. Dr. Hatice Sözer, includes Prof. Dr. Şule Gündüz Öğüdücü from the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, Prof. Dr. İskender Reyhancan, Director of Operations for the ITU TRIGA MARK II Reactor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Tokdemir from the Department of Civil Engineering, Instructor Dr. Mehmet Tunçel from the ITU Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Application and Research Center, and reactor facility operator Dr. Zeyneb Camtakan. Master’s and doctoral scholarship holders also actively contribute to the project.

Thanks to its scalable and adaptable architecture, the digital twin model to be developed will serve as a reference solution that can be applied to other critical infrastructures and nuclear research facilities.

By integrating IT/OT resources such as sensor data, control systems, and maintenance/event logs into a single platform, the system will provide a holistic view of the reactor’s real-time status. AI and machine learning–based models will identify potential failures in advance through anomaly detection and predictive maintenance features. An interactive 3D visualization and scenario library will allow operators to safely experience various situations. With live dashboards and retrospective trend analyses, processes will become measurable, and decision-making will be supported by data-driven insights.

All components will be designed in accordance with the regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) and nuclear assurance principles, incorporating role-based authorization, detailed logging, and end-to-end traceability mechanisms. Project outcomes include the standardization of operator training, making competencies measurable and traceable, reducing human error through risk-based planning, and optimizing maintenance schedules. This will ensure the continuity of reactor operations and rationalize resource utilization. Indirectly, these gains will also contribute to low-carbon energy targets and relevant public policies.

The project stands out as an innovative example that directly aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).