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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.
Akira Yamaguchi, Hajime Niwa, Mitsuaki Yamaoka, Kazuyuki Tsukimori, Yoshio Shimakawa, Hisashi Ninokata, Kiyoto Aizawa
Nuclear Technology | Volume 107 | Number 1 | July 1994 | Pages 23-37
Technical Paper | Special on ANP ’92 Conference / Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT94-A34995
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Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC), using computer codes developed and/or modified at PNC, has analyzed the Phase IIB passive safety test (PST) proposed for the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). Major interests of PST are understanding core bowing and mitigating extremely low probability accidents. It is confirmed that the PNC code system is applicable to all aspects of the FFTF Phase IIB PST program. Results of the pretest analysis indicate that the proposed Phase IIB PST in FFTF can be devised to provide very useful data for validation of the analytical models that treat reactivity feedback effects due to core bowing. Recommendations to the test program are also made. With those analytical tools, future fast breeder reactor concepts will incorporate to a greater degree than earlier designs passive safety features on neutronic aspects as well as on thermohydraulic aspects.