A Computer-Based Procedure Tool for SMR Control Room Operations

There is a growing interest in advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) to address global energy demands. Computer-based procedures (CBPs) are anticipated to play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient control room operations for SMRs. While CBPs have been explored in conventional nuclear power plants, limited guidance exists on their design and implementation for SMRs, especially considering the unique challenges of managing multiple reactors from a single control room. This study presents the conceptual design of the CBP tool HELP (Halden ELtronic Procedure) and shares initial insights from its application in a human factors simulator study with licensed operators. A human-centered design approach was adopted emphasizing iterative development and rapid feedback from domain experts and an interdisciplinary team. The CPB tool HELP was tested in a simulator study where licensed operators managed six SMRs from a single control room. Participants evaluated the tool's usability, and a researcher provided observations on how the operators interacted with it. The findings suggest that the chosen design direction is promising. Participants navigated procedures effectively, although transitions between SMR units require further investigation. Future work will focus on refining the design, integrating additional procedures, and testing the tool across various plant types and operator configurations. Furthermore, real-time process data into the tool is planned as an initial step toward automated procedure execution.

Keywords: Nuclear safety, Small modular reactors, Digital procedures, Design prototype, Multi-unit operation, Human factors.