Nuclear reactor crew evaluation of a computerized operator support system HMI for chemical and volume control system

Abstract

A Computerized Operator Support System (COSS) functional prototype was developed as an assistive technology for operators. The COSS was implemented as a hybrid control board for the Chemical Volume Control System (CVCS) of a three loop Combustion Engineering pressurized water reactor and implemented full-scope, full-scale, glass top control room simulator. The hybrid control board simulated a modernized control room with both analog and digital instrumentation and control. The digital portions consisted of large digital overview and smaller touch displays, while the analog portion consisted primarily of safety indicators and controls. The glass top nature of the simulator allowed the COSS configuration to be compared to the existing fully analog configuration. A cooperative research and development agreement with a major US utility allowed for two separate licensed three-person crews of commercial reactor operators to evaluate the COSS. The evaluation revealed stylistic issues, operation insights, and design considerations that will guide control room modernization efforts and influence next generation control systems and Human Machine Interfaces.