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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.
Yassin A. Hassan, Chun Fu
Nuclear Technology | Volume 148 | Number 3 | December 2004 | Pages 325-334
Technical Paper | Thermal Hydraulics | doi.org/10.13182/NT04-A3570
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A RELAP5/MOD3.2 model of the VVER-1000/MODEL V320 nuclear power plant was modified and a large-break loss-of-coolant accident (LBLOCA) in the cold leg was simulated. In this analysis, the core consisted of 162 UO2 assemblies and 1 mixed-oxide assembly. The results from the simulation were compared with the results from a similar study performed with the Russian computer program TECH-M. An uncertainty analysis was performed on the peak cladding temperature following a similar methodology called code scaling, applicability, and uncertainty. Monte Carlo calculations were performed using the response surface inferred from 15 runs of RELAP5 calculations. The result of this study shows that the emergency core coolant system would be sufficient to keep the cladding temperature during the LBLOCA scenario well below the required maximum limit.