A Virtual Digital Twin Approach for Safety-Centric RiskManagement for Extreme Light Infrastructure – NuclearPhysics (ELI-NP)

Abstract

This paper presents a safety-centric digital twin framework for high-risk industrial environments, with a focus on accelerator facilities. A model in discrete-event simulator will be developed to connect process flows of the facility, fully integrated with the Machine Protection System (MPS) and Personnel Protection System (PPS) logic implemented on real PLC hardware. The digital twin is linked partially to control system (EPICS-Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) via PLC and OPC UA to enable real-time synchronization, allowing predictive scenario testing without endangering people or equipment. Risk analysis module (FMEA) are incorporated to quantify failure probabilities, reaction times, and operational costs under fault scenarios. The methodology will be demonstrated (testbed) on the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) VEGA Linear Accelerator in Magurele, Romania, showing that critical safety interlocks can reliably shut down the beam in few milliseconds under fault conditions—far faster than any human response. The virtual model also will allow quantification of downtime and evaluation of mitigation strategies (e.g. procedure changes, threshold adjustments) [1].