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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Yoshitaka Chikazawa, Kazumi Aoto, Hiroki Hayafune, Shoji Kotake, Yushi Ohno, Takaya Ito, Mikio Toda
Nuclear Technology | Volume 179 | Number 3 | September 2012 | Pages 360-373
Technical Paper | Fission Reactors | doi.org/10.13182/NT179-360
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Key technologies for Japan Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (JSFR) have been evaluated. The ten technologies - high-burnup core, safety enhancement, compact reactor vessel, two-loop cooling system using high-chromium steel, integrated intermediate heat exchanger/pump component, reliable steam generator, natural-circulation decay heat removal system, simplified fuel handling system, containment vessel made of steel plate-reinforced concrete, and advanced seismic isolation system - have been confirmed to be ready for installation to a conceptual design of demonstration JSFR and large-scale demonstration experiments.