The Conceptual Design of Integrated Emergency Operating Procedures with Hierarchical Structure

Abstract

The nuclear power plant is a system that demands a high level of safety. In such safety-critical systems, human error consistently emerges as a key issue, particularly in emergency operating situations where operator mistakes can lead to severe accidents. Commercial nuclear power plants are equipped with various procedures to support operators. In emergency situations, operators use emergency operating procedures to diagnose and mitigate accidents by manipulating components and systems. Traditionally, paper-based procedures were predominantly used, but with advancements in instrumentation and control technology, digital main control room facilities have been introduced, leading to the adoption of computerized procedures. Despite technological progress in instrumentation and control, the structure of procedures still retains many characteristics of traditional paper-based procedures. As instrumentation and control technology evolves, human-system interfaces have improved, but the procedure structure continues to rely heavily on traditional paper-based procedure structure. Operators compare information from procedures with plant data to perform their tasks, making operator training and experience crucial factors. If the system are to advance further, monitoring the plant status and selectively providing information, it is anticipated that more optimized actions could be offered. In this study, we aim to develop a system by analyzing and reconstructing existing procedures to provide an integrated form of procedural structure. The integrated procedure system offers hierarchical information on main objectives, safety function states, relevant systems, and operation constraints, allowing operators to collect information at a glance. This paper proposes a conceptual design for a next-generation procedural system that supports operators, using hierarchal structure and procedure integration.