Human Factors Research on Power Plant Simulators

Abstract

Full scope simulations of nuclear power plant control rooms play a major role in operator training programs. They also provide an environment for the conduct of a broad range of Human Factors research pertinent to nuclear power plant operations. A computer-based evaluation system has been developed for objectively measuring certain elements of an operator's performance on a power plant simulator. The Performance Measurement System (PMS), developed for the Electric Power Research Institute, was designed to help an instructor in his total evaluation of an operator trainee by providing measurements and documentation of certain essential elements of operator performance. Many measurements of operator performance on the simulator can be applied to research on the operator - control room interface. The use of PMS as a research tool offers unique opportunities to address many Human Factors questions in nuclear control rooms.