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Human Reliability Considerations for Small Modular Reactors

Description: Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a promising approach to meeting future energy needs. Although the electrical output of an individual SMR is relatively small compared to that of typical commercial nuclear plants, they can be grouped to produce as much energy as a utility demands. Furthermore, SMRs can be used for other purposes, such as producing hydrogen and generating process heat. The design characteristics of many SMRs differ from those of current conventional plants and may require a dist… more
Date: January 27, 2012
Creator: Ohara, J. M.; Higgins, H.; DAgostino, A. & Erasmia, L.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Multi-unit Operations in Non-Nuclear Systems: Lessons Learned for Small Modular Reactors

Description: The nuclear-power community has reached the stage of proposing advanced reactor designs to support power generation for decades to come. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are one approach to meet these energy needs. While the power output of individual reactor modules is relatively small, they can be grouped to produce reactor sites with different outputs. Also, they can be designed to generate hydrogen, or to process heat. Many characteristics of SMRs are quite different from those of current plan… more
Date: January 17, 2012
Creator: Ohara, J. M.; Higgins, J. & DAgostino, A.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Trends in HFE Methods and Tools and Their Applicability to Safety Reviews

Description: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) conducts human factors engineering (HFE) safety reviews of applicant submittals for new plants and for changes to existing plants. The reviews include the evaluation of the methods and tools (M&T) used by applicants as part of their HFE program. The technology used to perform HFE activities has been rapidly evolving, resulting in a whole new generation of HFE M&Ts. The objectives of this research were to identify the current trends in HFE m… more
Date: September 30, 2009
Creator: O'Hara, J. M.; Plott, C.; Milanski, J.; Ronan, A.; Scheff, S.; Laux, L. et al.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Applying Human-performance Models to Designing and Evaluating Nuclear Power Plants: Review Guidance and Technical Basis

Description: Human performance models (HPMs) are simulations of human behavior with which we can predict human performance. Designers use them to support their human factors engineering (HFE) programs for a wide range of complex systems, including commercial nuclear power plants. Applicants to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) can use HPMs for design certifications, operating licenses, and license amendments. In the context of nuclear-plant safety, it is important to assure that HPMs are verified and… more
Date: November 30, 2009
Creator: O'Hara, J. M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Human Factors Aspects of Operating Small Reactors

Description: The nuclear-power community has reached the stage of proposing advanced reactor designs to support power generation for decades to come. They are considering small modular reactors (SMRs) as one approach to meet these energy needs. While the power output of individual reactor modules is relatively small, they can be grouped to produce reactor sites with different outputs. Also, they can be designed to generate hydrogen, or to process heat. Many characteristics of SMRs are quite different from t… more
Date: November 7, 2010
Creator: Ohara, J. M.; Higgins, J.; Deem, R. (BNL); Xing, J. & DAgostino, A. (NRC)
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Human-system Interfaces to Automatic Systems: Review Guidance and Technical Basis

Description: Automation has become ubiquitous in modern complex systems and commercial nuclear power plants are no exception. Beyond the control of plant functions and systems, automation is applied to a wide range of additional functions including monitoring and detection, situation assessment, response planning, response implementation, and interface management. Automation has become a 'team player' supporting plant personnel in nearly all aspects of plant operation. In light of the increasing use and imp… more
Date: January 31, 2010
Creator: Ohara, J. M. & Higgins, J. C.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Review of the IEEE Standard for Computerized Operating Procedure Systems

Description: Increasingly nuclear power plant procedures, such as emergency operating procedures, are being presented in computer form with functionality to support operator use and management of the procedures. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) currently has guidance for the review of computer-based procedures (CBPs); however, there remain CBP functions and human performance issues for which up-to-date guidance is lacking. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has initiate… more
Date: February 26, 2010
Creator: O'Hara, J. & Higgins, J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Effects of Degraded Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems on Human-system Interfaces and Operator Performance: HFE Review Guidance and Technical Basis

Description: New and advanced reactors will use integrated digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems to support operators in their monitoring and control functions. Even though digital systems are typically highly reliable, their potential for degradation or failure could significantly affect operator performance and, consequently, impact plant safety. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) supported this research project to investigate the effects of degraded I&C systems on human perf… more
Date: February 26, 2010
Creator: O'Hara, J. M. & W. Gunther, G. Martinez-Guridi
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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