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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.
Akitoshi Hotta, Makoto Honma, Hisashi Ninokata, Yusuke Matsui
Nuclear Technology | Volume 135 | Number 1 | July 2001 | Pages 1-16
Technical Paper | Reactor Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT01-A3202
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In this study, applicability of the TRAC/BF1-ENTRÉE code to regional instability was demonstrated in two parts. In Part I, fidelity of numerical models was studied with regard to the density-wave oscillation. Based on the FRIGG-4 loop test, predictability of the code has been demonstrated. An appropriate time integration scheme was explored, and it was found that the numerical viscosity can be minimized by applying the semi-implicit method and specifying the material Courant number close to unity. Applicability of the code was studied for simulating parallel channel configurations. The bypass channel effect was quantified as a function of its flow area and power level. The influence of flow mixing at the upper and lower plena was studied.
