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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.
Elizebeth M. Maag, Dave Knott
Nuclear Technology | Volume 136 | Number 3 | December 2001 | Pages 278-291
Technical Paper | Fuel Cycle and Management | doi.org/10.13182/NT01-A3245
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The feasibility of a reload strategy based on fixing the locations of once-burnt fuel between cycles has been evaluated for the Perry nuclear power plant (Perry). This strategy can reduce refueling shuffle critical path time by 3 days without penalty in fuel cycle economics. The scheme works well for Perry because of the extreme cycle energy requirements and the large feed batch size needed to meet those requirements. Cores requiring less energy and a smaller feed batch size have not been investigated.