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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.
Jan-Ru Tang, Lainsu Kao, Der-Yeong Shiau, Lin-Yao Chou, Ching-Chuan Yao, Show-Chyuan Chiang
Nuclear Technology | Volume 121 | Number 3 | March 1998 | Pages 324-336
Technical Paper | RETRAN | doi.org/10.13182/NT98-A2844
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The RETRAN analyses of three areas of thermal-hydraulic concerns are presented. The first evaluated whether a 360-deg through-wall crack could be detected based on system response with leakage through the crack. The second analysis was to identify the hydraulic load on the shroud and possible consequences early in the main steam-line break. The last was the evaluation of the thermal limit (CPR) of limiting transients with leakage. Some of the analyses were used for justification of continued operation of the current cycle, and some will be useful in the evaluation of the repair design.