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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.
Ernie Kee, John Hasenbein, Alex Zolan, Phil Grissom, Seyed Reihani, Zahra Mohaghegh, Fatma Yilmaz, Bruce Letellier, Vera Moiseytseva, Rodolfo Vaghetto, David Imbaratto, Tatsuya Sakurahara
Nuclear Technology | Volume 196 | Number 2 | November 2016 | Pages 270-291
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NT16-34
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An approach is described that would use test data to evaluate the risk associated with the concerns raised in Generic Safety Issue 191 (GSI-191). The relationship to the elements of quantitative risk-informed regulation for addressing the concerns raised in GSI-191 in pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant licensing is described. Use of experimental data from a deterministic sump performance test to establish scenario success for tested debris loads is summarized and compared to the licensing requirements in the regulations. Generation and transport of debris to the emergency core cooling system sump from a loss-of-coolant accident is described, and data are shown for a particular PWR. Application of the analysis results to a license amendment for an operating PWR is summarized.
