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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program Operator Performance Metrics for Control Room Modernization: A Practical Guide for Early Design Evaluation

As control rooms are modernized with new digital systems at nuclear power plants, it is necessary to evaluate the operator performance using these systems as part of a verification and validation process. There are no standard, predefined metrics available for assessing what is satisfactory operator interaction with new systems, especially during the early design stages of a new system. This report identifies the process and metrics for evaluating human system interfaces as part of control room modernization. The report includes background information on design and evaluation, a thorough discussion of human performance measures, and a practical example of how the process and metrics have been used as part of a turbine control system upgrade during the formative stages of design. The process and metrics are geared toward generalizability to other applications and serve as a template for utilities undertaking their own control room modernization activities.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design Philosophy for Accelerator Control Rooms

This report describes the foundational human factors principles needed to design user interfaces for accelerator control rooms. These principles are presented as recommendations for accelerator control system interface design and are illustrated with examples drawn from accelerator operations at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). These high-level principles are intended to serve as design objectives that apply generally across all control system interfaces developed for the accelerator complex. These principles will be mapped to more specific design guidance that will be provided in a style guide for accelerator operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Ontology to guide scenario design to evaluate new technologies for control room modernization - 127

Modernization of nuclear power plants (NPPs) are introducing new human-system interface (HSI) technology that may have unanticipated impact on control room operations. Introduction of HSI thus requires careful evaluation and integrated system validation involving human-in-the-loop experiments with high-fidelity simulation and realistic scenarios. To support the technology evaluation in modernization of NPPs, this paper reports our research on constructing an 'scenario development ontology' for the nuclear industry. We conducted a literature review to produce a preliminary flow chart of the scenario development process and verified the flow chart through interviews with ten domain professionals. The interviews confirmed the key steps in the process flow chart and provided a compendium of approximately 100 scenario attributes, which were divided according to their relevance to HSI evaluation. The next step will be to conduct additional interviews to expand and generalize the ontology that can facilitate vendor and industry evaluation of current and future control room modernization projects. This ontology is particularly intended to facilitate vendor and industry evaluation of current and future control room modernization projects. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Modernization - Simulation Based Design

As many plants age and equipment modifications are implemented, the industry has the opportunity to address the issue of control room obsolescence through technology application and enhanced engineering techniques using existing systems. This paper addresses the practice of Simulation Based Design (SBD) for control room modernization driven by plant modifications and upgrades.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Human Factors Engineering Design Phase Report for Control Room Modernization

In this report, we review recent work performed at the Human System Simulation Laboratory (HSSL) at the Idaho National Laboratory. The U.S. Department of Energy has sponsored work under the Light Water Reactor Sustainabilty (LWRS) program to assist U.S. utilities in extending the operating life of the U.S. fleet of commercial reactors. Control room modernization is a key research and demonstration area within LWRS. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Human Factors Engineering Program Review Model (NUREG-0711) outlines four phases of developing a new human-system interface (HSI). One of the key steps in NUREG-0711 is the design phase. In this report, we outline the process and findings from several simulator workshops, which centered on early design phase activities. Prototypes for a turbine control system upgrade for a main control room at a commercial nuclear power plant were developed and evaluated using licensed reactor operators at the HSSL. This iterative design-evaluation cycle succeeded in refining the design of the HSI and readying it for final implementation and formal validation and verification exercises. This report serves as a useful template to explicate design steps that are not currently required by NUREG-0711 but that ensure a usable and safe control room replacement system.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Human Factors Design for Particle Accelerator Control Room Interfaces

Fermilab, the birthplace of many scientific discoveries in physics and particle accelerator sciences, is in the midst of a widescale modernization effort. The Accelerator Control Operations Research Network (ACORN project’s goal is to modernize the accelerator control system by replacing end-of-life power supplies and enhance future operations of the Fermilab accelerator complex with megawatt particle beams. Within ACORN, opportunities for process improvement concerning software development, human-system interface design, and task performance are also being considered. Human factors researchers from Idaho National Laboratory in collaboration with usability experts from Fermilab, are currently investigating human-centered design improvements for the accelerator control system. For example, substantial tribal knowledge and memory recall are required to effectively operate the accelerator system. This contributes to high cognitive workload and potential burnout of accelerator operators. Developing guidance for consistent visual and functional design enables a more intuitive interaction and relieves operators of cognitive burden. Additionally, developing more intuitive and integrated interfaces can also lead to improved accelerator efficacy by empowering operators with greater understanding and control of the systems. The challenge in developing such interfaces is in designing for a wide variety of user goals, system specifications, and level of experience in users. The challenges need to be met while e also considering the maintainability of the control system. The purpose of this paper is to detail the human factors process and design within the ACORN project, describe results gathered thus far, and discuss the larger implications for this work.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Design and Validation of Control Room Upgrades Using a Research Simulator Facility

Since 1981, the United States (U.S.) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) [1] requires a plant- specific simulator facility for use in training at U.S. nuclear power plants (NPPs). These training simulators are in near constant use for training and qualification of licensed NPP operators. In the early 1980s, the Halden Man-Machine Laboratory (HAMMLab) at the Halden Reactor Project (HRP) in Norway first built perhaps the most well known set of research simulators. The HRP offered a high- fidelity simulator facility in which the simulator is functionally linked to a specific plant but in which the human-machine interface (HMI) may differ from that found in the plant. As such, HAMMLab incorporated more advanced digital instrumentation and controls (I&C) than the plant, thereby giving it considerable interface flexibility that researchers took full advantage of when designing and validating different ways to upgrade NPP control rooms. Several U.S. partners—the U.S. NRC, the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI), Sandia National Laboratories, and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) – as well as international members of the HRP, have been working with HRP to run control room simulator studies. These studies, which use crews from Scandinavian plants, are used to determine crew behavior in a variety of normal and off-normal plant operations. The findings have ultimately been used to guide safety considerations at plants and to inform advanced HMI design—both for the regulator and in industry. Given the desire to use U.S. crews of licensed operators on a simulator of a U.S. NPP, there is a clear need for a research simulator facility in the U.S. There is no general-purpose reconfigurable research oriented control room simulator facility in the U.S. that can be used for a variety of studies, including the design and validation of control room upgrades.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Human factors design, verification, and validation for two types of control room upgrades at a nuclear power plant

This paper describes the NUREG-0711 based human factors engineering (HFE) phases and associated elements required to support design, verification and validation (V&V), and implementation of a new plant process computer (PPC) and turbine control system (TCS) at a representative nuclear power plant. This paper reviews ways to take a human-system interface (HSI) specification and use it when migrating legacy PPC displays or designing displays with new functionality. These displays undergo iterative usability testing during the design phase and then undergo an integrated system validation (ISV) in a full scope control room training simulator. Following the successful demonstration of operator performance with the systems during the ISV, the new system is implemented at the plant, first in the training simulator and then in the main control room.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2015

HOW TO RUN A CONTROL ROOM SIMULATOR RESEARCH STUDY

The design and modernization of main control rooms in nuclear power plants benefits considerably from high-fidelity simulator research. These research simulators may be faithful replicas of existing control rooms or may represent advanced prototypes for future implementation. The recent availability of low-cost training simulators has made the entry point to using simulators in research much more achievable. Yet, the acquisition of a training or research simulator is only the first step to carrying out successful simulator studies. This panel brings together four current human factors researchers who are involved in conducting studies using control room simulators for nuclear power plants. The goal of the panel is to present the uses of research simulators, research methods and measures, and tips and tricks for running a simulator study from four separate research institutions. Each presenter explains their research configuration as well as research philosophy and practices. Korea Atomic Research Institute (KAERI) and OECD Halden Reactor Project, two research institutes with a long history of running simulator studies, present their experiences and insights gained from many simulator studies. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Center for Advanced Engineering Research (CAER), two research institutes who have freshly started simulator research, chronicle their recent installations and studies. Each presenter provides an overview presentation of simulator research conducted at their institution followed by a panel discussion based on audience questions. This panel represents the opportunity for other researchers who are newly undertaking simulator studies to learn the human factors considerations for simulator research from existing researchers.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Design themes for future hybrid nuclear power plant control rooms - 383

As nuclear power plants (NPP) control rooms are updated and new technologies added, a new hybrid control room is set to emerge and with it new safety implications for design. This paper highlights two technologies determined to be highly relevant for control room modernization: overview displays and computer-based procedures. Control room operators were observed in the simulator, while conducting abnormal and emergency scenarios. Additionally, operators were observed and interviewed in the control room during normal operations. Design themes for both of the technologies are discussed. Results revealed ten main design themes for overview displays, including observations of the system used currently in order to provide overview information. The results revealed three main design themes for computer-based procedures that were more directed at an envisioned world, since these technologies are not deployed currently. This evaluation elicited considerations for requirements for future control room system designs and recommendations for hybrid NPP control rooms. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bridging the Gap Between Modern UX Design and Particle Accelerator Control Room Interfaces

Accelerator control systems often represent relatively complex and safety-sensitive human-machine interfaces within process control industries. These systems are technically robust and reflect the cumulative integration of solutions built and adapted across decades. One of the regular, unfortunate casualties of provisional accelerator control system updates is their human-system interfaces (HSIs) which often lag behind modern usability and design standards. An additional challenge is that although there is a multitude of established human factors (HF), and user experience (UX) principles for everyday digital applications, there are very few (if any) established principles for complex and safety-critical applications for an accelerator. This paper argues for the importance of established HF and UX principles (herein referred to as human-centered design principles) into the development of accelerator HSIs, emphasizing the need for clarity, consistency, responsiveness, and cognitive accessibility. Drawing from HF/UX best practices and human-centered design, this paper discusses how these approaches can enhance operator performance, reduce human error, and improve accelerator personnel collaboration. Case studies from Accelerator Control Operations Research Network (ACORN) at Fermilab are explored to demonstrate how interfaces built with human-centered design principles can scale with system complexity while remaining intuitive and efficient for diverse user roles including operators, machine experts, and engineers. By bridging the gap between traditional control system design and modern human-centered design methods, this paper provides a roadmap for evolving accelerator HSIs into more usable, maintainable, and effective tools.

Hill, Rachael [Idaho Natl. Lab.]↗
DOE OSTI2011

Deployment of a Full-Scope Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Simulator at the Idaho National Laboratory

The INL operates the HSSL to conduct research in the design and evaluation of advanced reactor control rooms, integration of intelligent support systems to assist operators, development and assessment of advanced human performance models, and visualizations to assess advanced operational concepts across various infrastructures. This advanced facility consists of a reconfigurable simulator and a virtual reality capability (known as the Computer-Aided Virtual Environment (CAVE)) (Figure 2). It supports human factors research, including human-in-the-loop performance, HSI, and analog and digital hybrid control displays. It can be applied to the development and evaluation of control systems and displays for complex systems such as existing and advanced NPP control rooms, command and control systems, and advance emergency operations centers. The HSSL incorporates a reconfigurable control room simulator, which is currently housed in the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a joint venture of the DOE and the Idaho University System. The simulator is a platform- and plant-neutral environment intended for full-scope and part-task testing of operator performance in various control room configurations. The simulator is not limited to a particular plant or even simulator architecture. It can support engineering simulator platforms from multiple vendors using digital interfaces. Due to its ability to be reconfigured, it is possible to switch the HSI - not just to digital panels but also to different control modalities such as those using greater plant automation or intelligent alarm filtering. The simulator currently includes three operator workstations, each capable of driving up to eight 30-inch monitors. The size and number of monitors varies depending on the particular front-end simulator deployed for a simulator study. These operator workstations would typically be used for the shift supervisor or senior reactor operator, reactor operator, and assistant reactor operator in current US NPPs. In addition to the three workstations, information can be shared between the workstations and further displayed on a large-screen overview display or a panel mimic. An 82-inch high-definition display is commonly used for the overview display.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Development and evaluation of the conceptual design for a liquid radiological waste system in an advanced hybrid control room

As the current fleet of nuclear power plants are maintaining outdated or obsolete equipment it is common practice to replace worn-out equipment on an as-needed basis resulting in a series of like-for-like replacements of components on the control boards addressing an immediate need to replace equipment. Such upgrades rarely represent an encompassing or systematic vision for control room modernization and do not add the additional benefit of enhanced support for operators in the control room, which tend to overlook the opportunity to reduce operations and maintenance costs through enhanced efficiency. The purpose of the research is to provide guidance on how to realize these opportunities by designing control room human-system interfaces with advanced capabilities in mind. Further, the research seeks to ensure that control room modernizations are undertaken with a sound understanding of the impacts to human operators and are designed based on state-of-the art human factors principles. This report describes the conceptual design of the liquid radiological waste system and several research activities conducted to inform the design philosophy. The report also provides recommended updates to the original design philosophy (published by the researchers in 2018) based on the findings.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Understanding Cognitive and Collaborative Work: Observations in an Electric Transmission Operations Control Center

This paper describes research that is part of an ongoing project to design tools to assist in the integration of renewable energy into the electric grid. These tools will support control room dispatchers in real-time system operations of the electric power transmission system which serves much of the Western United States. Field observations comprise the first phase of this research in which 15 operators have been observed over various shifts and times of day for approximately 90 hours. Findings describing some of the cognitive and environmental challenges of managing the dynamically changing electric grid are presented.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2011

BEAM SIMULATIONS USING VIRTUAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE DRIVER LINAC

End-to-end beam simulations for the driver linac have shown that the design meets the necessary performance requirements including having adequate transverse and longitudinal acceptances. However, to achieve reliable operational performance, the development of appropriate beam diagnostic systems and control room procedures are crucial. With limited R&D funding, beam simulations provide a cost effective tool to evaluate candidate beam diagnostic systems and to provide a critical basis for developing early commissioning and later operational activities. We propose to perform beam dynamic studies and engineering analyses to define the requisite diagnostic systems of the driver linac and through simulation to develop and test commissioning and operational procedures.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Demonstrating the Value of 3D Models to Support Large-Scale Digital Modifications at Nuclear Power Plants

Many Nuclear Power Plants are currently in the process of extending their operating licenses for continued generation. The use of three-dimensional (3D) modeling in the early stages of large scale NPP modernization efforts is one lower cost method that can verify proposed design changes against established guidelines and allows for visual presentation of the 3D model to various stakeholders in the project. Guidance from Nuclear Regulatory Commission NUREG 0711 and 0700, and other sources on performing HF/E for control rooms and design modifications can be visually represented in 3D models. Distance and measurements, workstation design, anthropometric considerations, and early feedback of modifications are used in 3D models to identify potential human issues early in the design process. 3D modeling is a useful tool for early design and help to reduce costs and present visuals to stakeholders early in the design.

3D Models↗
DOE OSTI2017

HFE in the design of the socio-technical system of the control room of a new generation reactor: issues faced during multistage validation - 126

This paper deals with the contribution of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF and E) experts to the design of the control room (CR) of a new generation reactor (NGR), our view of the multistage validation (MSV) process and the issues faced during it. Our approach to MSV was to articulate two points of view: the designers' point of view (test and explore various design options) and the regulatory authorities' point of view (validate the performance of the socio-technical system of the CR). To perform this articulation, both tests and validation shared the same method and goals. The main issues faced during this process were to (1) get a coherent and integrated version of the full-scope simulator when the design of the socio-technical system of the CR was still in progress, (2) determine when to stop MSVs, and (3) define a criterion for the sampling of operational conditions. The first issue led us to the conclusion that specific project milestones synchronising the design of every part of the CR have to be planned early in the project in order to mitigate the risk of delaying WSTs (Whole System Tests). Regarding the second issue, we advocate that no further WSTs are required when the last modifications brought to the CR design have no significant impact on crews' activities. Finally, concerning the last issue, we think that performing WSTs in all classes of situations a crew may face during operating the plant is necessary. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2015

HSI Prototypes for Human Systems Simulation Laboratory

This report describes in detail the design and features of three Human System Interface (HSI) prototypes developed by the Institutt for Energiteknikk (IFE) in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program under Contract 128420 through Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The prototypes are implemented for the Generic Pressurized Water Reactor simulator and installed in the Human Systems Simulation Laboratory at INL. The three prototypes are: 1) Power Ramp display 2) RCS Heat-up and Cool-down display 3) Estimated time to limit display The power ramp display and the RCS heat-up/cool-down display are designed to provide good visual indications to the operators on how well they are performing their task compared to their target ramp/heat-up/cool-down rate. The estimated time to limit display is designed to help operators restore levels or pressures before automatic or required manual actions are activated.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗