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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.
Yoshitaka Chikazawa, Toshio Nakagiri, Mamoru Konomura, Shouji Uchida, Yoshihiko Tsuchiyama
Nuclear Technology | Volume 155 | Number 3 | September 2006 | Pages 340-349
Technical Paper | Thermal Hydraulics | doi.org/10.13182/NT06-A3766
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Hydrogen production with a fast breeder reactor (FBR) may be attractive as a long-term energy source with nuclear fuel breeding. The thermochemical and electrolytic hybrid process is one of the hydrogen production methods using a sulfuric acid cycle with the maximum temperature at 500°C, which can be supplied by a sodium-cooled FBR. In this study, a hydrogen production plant with the thermochemical and electrolytic hybrid process has been designed, and the hydrogen production efficiency has been evaluated. The structural materials of the components in the system are steels such as high-Si cast iron, which has good toughness against sulfuric acid. High hydrogen production efficiency of 44% (high heating value) is achieved assuming development of high-efficiency electrolysis.