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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.
Morihiko Sato, Norihiko Handa
Nuclear Technology | Volume 88 | Number 1 | October 1989 | Pages 7-12
Technical Paper | Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A34331
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A plant design simplification method is discussed. The method takes advantage of features found in moderately sized plants in order to increase fast breeder reactor deployment under uncertain load growth projection conditions. Some new and simplified design features for the plant main body are examined and determined to be applicable to plant overall design.