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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.
Hsin-Ho Lee
Nuclear Technology | Volume 117 | Number 1 | January 1997 | Pages 64-79
Technical Paper | Nuclear Reactor Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT97-A35336
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Taiwan’s Maanshan Nuclear Power Station (MNPS) consists of two pressurized water reactors [2775 MW(thermal)]. The reracking method has received licensing approval and has been successfully implemented by the Taiwan Power Company for MNPS to increase the spent-fuel storage capacity of each unit from 746 to 2160 fuel assemblies. MNPS is the only nuclear power station in the world that can store the accumulated spent-fuel assemblies from 40 yr of plant life in its on-site spent-fuel pool after reracking. The safety concerns regarding various aspects of this reracking project are presented. These safety concerns include thermal hydraulics, criticality, structure, radiation, and heavy loads.
