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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, Shao-Shei Ma, Jan-Der Wang, Show-Chyuan Chiang, Lin-Yao Chou, Ching-Chuan Yao, Ying-Tsen Liao
Nuclear Technology | Volume 128 | Number 2 | November 1999 | Pages 186-204
Technical Paper | RETRAN | doi.org/10.13182/NT99-A3024
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Three analyses are presented for the Kuosheng plant, the second nuclear power station of the Taiwan Power Company. The first is a startup test benchmark analysis of full closure of the main steam isolation valves (MSIVs). This analysis is one of a series of startup test analyses to develop the Kuosheng RETRAN model. The second is a parallel reload safety analysis of a system pressure-limiting transient for Kuosheng Unit 2, Cycle 12, which is a part of work to develop an in-house reload safety analysis methodology. The third is an operating support analysis of a reactor trip event due to a single MSIV closure in October 1997; this analysis demonstrates the application of the Kuosheng RETRAN model. The work may add to the RETRAN experience base and to the plant modeling body of knowledge. A similar approach can be adopted to support the plant, with concerns.
