HUNTER Procedure Performance Predictor: Supporting New Procedure Development with a Dynamic Human Reliability Analysis Method

Abstract

The Human Unimodel for Nuclear Technology to Enhance Reliability (HUNTER) is a streamlined software framework for dynamic human reliability analysis (HRA). HUNTER simulates a reactor operator as a digital human twin, providing a platform by which to model human interactions with a digital hardware twin in the form of a simulated nuclear power plant. HUNTER gives realistic insights into human errors, actions, and time frames. Recent discussions with stakeholders in the U.S. nuclear sector have highlighted potential uses for HUNTER to support development of operating procedures for advanced control rooms. As nuclear power plants transition from analog to digital control rooms or develop advanced control systems for new reactors, a unique challenge arises concerning operating procedures. Established procedures for existing plants have undergone multiple iterations, but with the advent of digital control systems in control rooms, there's often a lack of operating experience to shape these new procedures. Such Version Null procedures are a pressing concern for those drafting them and ensuring plant safety. Expanding on HUNTER's procedural capabilities, a specialized version named the Procedure Performance Predictor (P3) is under development. HUNTER-P3 enables those writing procedures to draft new ones and then test them in a simulation to gauge both operator and plant responses. HUNTER-P3 identifies potential operator and procedure level shortcomings, offering a novel way to validate procedures.

Keywords: human reliability analysis, procedure, nuclear power plant

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004402