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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.
Shih-Jen Wang, Shih-Hsiin Chang, Ling-Yao Chou
Nuclear Technology | Volume 113 | Number 3 | March 1996 | Pages 280-290
Technical Paper | Nuclear Reactor Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT96-A35208
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An anticipated transient without scram induced by main steam isolation valve closure (AMSIV) could subject a nuclear power plant to the most severe of accident conditions. The Chinshan plant analyzer contains a complete boiling water reactor system model and can be revised easily for the user’s purpose. These features make the Chinshan plant analyzer suitable for AMSIV analysis. The capability of the Chinshan plant analyzer to analyze an AMSIV is illustrated. An AMSIV is simulated, and the simulation results are similar to the results of other research. Furthermore, the AMSIV response of reducing reactor power by decreasing reactor coolant inventory is simulated, and the results of the simulation are similar to those of other research. During this transient, the reactor power is decreased. However, the margin to core uncovery is also decreased. In addition, a method of reducing the reactor power by increasing the feedwater temperature is studied. The mechanism of reducing the reactor power is associated with decreasing the inlet subcooling. Sensitivities of key parameters are also analyzed. A large negative void coefficient causes an undesirable large peak in the reactor power. A small recirculation pump moment of inertia decreases the reactor power.