Control Room Modernization: Critical Aspect in IC Modernization

摘要

Several nuclear power plants are starting instrumentation and control (I&C) modernization programs using digital equipment to address obsolescence issues and the need to improve plant performance while maintaining high levels of safety. As an integral part of the I&C modernization program at a nuclear power plant, the control room and other human-system interfaces (HSIs) will also be modernized. To support safe and effective operation, it is critical to design, implement, operate, and maintain the control room and HSI changes to take advantage of human cognitive processing abilities. A project, jointly funded by EPRI and DOE, is developing guidance for specifying and designing digital components and systems, and their incorporation into hybrid (analog/digital) control rooms, remote shut-down panels, etc. The project is also developing the technical bases for the guidance. The guidance is intended for application by utilities and suppliers of digital I&C replacements. The guidance will facilitate specification, design, implementation, operations, maintenance, training, and procedure activities. This guidance will be used to reduce the likelihood of human errors and licensing risk, and to increase performance.