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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.
Ioannis A. Papazoglou
Nuclear Technology | Volume 130 | Number 3 | June 2000 | Pages 329-350
Technical Paper | Nuclear Plant Operations and Control | doi.org/10.13182/NT00-A3097
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A special Markov reliability model is used to simulate the effects of frequency of testing and allowable bypass time of the analog channels and logic trains on the performance of a pressurized water reactor, reactor protection system (RPS). The effects of these technical specifications (TSs) on the unavailability of the RPS and on the frequencies of spurious scrams, core damage, anticipated transients without scram, and large early releases are assessed. The use of these results to support decision making concerning changing the TSs in light of the relevant policy statement by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on risk-informed decision making is demonstrated. The analysis includes point-value calculations sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.