Computerized Operator Support Systems to Aid Decision Making in Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Some key challenges to nuclear power plant operators are monitoring the myriad indicators on the control boards and making decisions accordingly. Especially minor transients at the plant, such as a small leak in the cooling system, may not be readily apparent until they reach a critical threshold. If operators were able to draw on early indicators to such upset conditions, it would generally make the mitigation of the faults straightforward by allowing ample time for correction. In this paper, we outline conditions that can impact operator decision making. We propose a computerized operator support system to assist operators in detecting, validating, diagnosing, mitigating, monitoring, and recovering from faults. It is proposed that computerized operator support systems can effectively augment reactor operators without taking away operator control. Computerized operator support systems are not automated control systems, but rather advisory systems to enhance operator performance.