Beyond Control Room Modernization - Nuclear Concept of Operations Development for Novel Systems Using Operator-In-The-Loop Control Room Simulations

Abstract

Existing regulations supporting control room modernization activities do not fully address novel system development activities in nuclear process control. The need for the additional guidance is evident in novel system development for new functionality intended for existing nuclear power plants as well as entirely new control systems intended for advanced reactor designs. In particular, the evaluation and use of simulation to support the design process differences between the human factors activities performed for traditional control room modernization and a representative novel system that changes the fundamental concept of operations. We review such an example, namely a thermal power dispatch system intended for an existing commercial reactors that supports steam uses beyond electricity generation. We present the more expansive scope of human factors activities and the reliance on multiple types of simulation-based evaluations needed to support the design process.