The Effects of Degraded Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems on Human-system Interfaces and Operator Performance: HFE Review Guidance and Technical Basis
New and advanced reactors will use integrated digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems to support operators in their monitoring and control functions. Even though digital systems are typically highly reliable, their potential for degradation or failure could significantly affect operator performance and, consequently, impact plant safety. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) supported this research project to investigate the effects of degraded I&C systems on human performance and plant operations. The objective was to develop human factors engineering (HFE) review guidance addressing the detection and management of degraded digital I&C conditions by plant operators. We reviewed pertinent standards and guidelines, empirical studies, and plant operating experience. In addition, we conducted an evaluation of the potential effects of selected failure modes of the digital feedwater system on human-system interfaces (HSIs) and operator performance. The results indicated that I&C degradations are prevalent in plants employing digital systems and the overall effects on plant behavior can be significant, such as causing a reactor trip or causing equipment to operate unexpectedly. I&C degradations can impact the HSIs used by operators to monitor and control the plant. For example, sensor degradations can make displays difficult to interpret and can sometimes mislead operators by making it appear that a process disturbance has occurred. We used the information obtained as the technical basis upon which to develop HFE review guidance. The guidance addresses the treatment of degraded I&C conditions as part of the design process and the HSI features and functions that support operators to monitor I&C performance and manage I&C degradations when they occur. In addition, we identified topics for future research.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Non-Nureg
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 1013463
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-91047-2010; R&D Project: 15407; N-6526; 401001060; TRN: US1102660
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Human-system Interfaces to Automatic Systems: Review Guidance and Technical Basis
GUIDANCE FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT CONTROL ROOM AND HUMAN-SYSTEM INTERFACE MODERNIZATION
Related Subjects
REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
REACTOR OPERATORS
DETECTION
DIGITAL SYSTEMS
EVALUATION
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING
MAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT
MONITORING
PERFORMANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY
human factors engineering
human-system interfaces
safety
safety reviews
design evaluation
control rooms
instrumentation and control
degraded conditions