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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.
Soon-Joon Hong, Jae-Hak Kim, Yong-Soo Kim, Goon-Cherl Park
Nuclear Technology | Volume 138 | Number 3 | June 2002 | Pages 273-283
Technical Paper | Thermal Hydraulics | doi.org/10.13182/NT02-A3294
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This paper discusses a thermal-hydraulic analysis methodology using RETRAN-3D and assembles system analyses for pressurized thermal shock resulting from a steam generator tube rupture accident in Kori Nuclear Unit 1. Through a systematic definition of sequences and thermal-hydraulic analyses using RETRAN-3D, the most important parameters on downcomer overcooling were identified. The break location that leads to the most significant overcooling was found to be the hot leg side in the loop that does not contain the charging flow inlet. The initial power level had a large effect on the downcomer overcooling. The closure failure of the pressurizer power operated relief valves and the termination failure of the safety injection were found to be the most significant operator actions. In contrast, auxiliary feedwater control failure had little effect on overcooling, and the steam dump valve closure failure merely resulted in a temperature rise in the latter half of the transient. Through these analyses, recommendations for sequence grouping and against downcomer overcooling are provided.