The Desirable Features of Computer Based Emergency Operating Procedure for Nuclear Power Operation

Operating procedures are guidance for operators to monitor, make decision and take related actions in normal, abnormal and emergency condition of nuclear power plants. The initial form of operating procedures, paper based procedures (PBP), have some drawbacks such as high operators' workload and necessity of much time to find and execute procedures related to the events. Therefore, computer based procedures (CBP) were developed to overcome the problems. However, some operators are not familiar with the CBP and may refuse to use the CBP because they used to use the PBP without any problems. This research investigates some features to the CBP to make it easier for operator to use and execute procedures and reducing human error. The proposed features are providing functional information of the procedures steps and related components using multilevel flow modeling (MFM), displaying remaining time for operators to complete each step or group of steps and implementing dynamic operation permission to reduce commission error by operators. The features, integrated with operator support systems, will make the CBP more intelligent and easy to use, especially in emergency condition of nuclear power plants