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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.
Michitsugu Mori
Nuclear Technology | Volume 121 | Number 3 | March 1998 | Pages 245-259
Technical Paper | RETRAN | doi.org/10.13182/NT98-A2837
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Verification and validation analyses of the RETRAN-03 code have been conducted by simulating the startup tests of a BWR-5 plant with the measured data from the 1100-MW(electric) boiling water reactor (BWR) of Tokyo Electric Power Company's nuclear power station. The comparison of results calculated by RETRAN-03 to BWR-5 measured data shows good agreement in tests changing reactor pressure and water-level setpoints and in primary-loop-recirculation (PLR) pump trip, main steam isolation valve (MSIV) closure, and generator load rejection tests. The calculated water level behavior could be well tracked with BWR-5 data. The effect of initial mixed-water level in a separator on the prediction of reactor water level was examined. Sensitivity analyses for the four- and the five-equation models were performed for a one-PLR-pump trip test, an all-MSIV closure test, and a generator load rejection test with 100% bypass. Such mild transients as startup tests show no distinct difference between the four- and the five-equation models. The various kinds of simulation with the start-up phase tests in changing pressure, water level, and power by transient could verify the RETRAN-03 model and validate the code.