Staffing in small modular reactors - first impressions

Abstract: Small modular reactor (SMR) development around the world has seen significant progress in recent years. Some of the unique characteristics that may impact control room operations include integral core design, passive safety systems, low fission products in case of release, flexible power outputs, and siting flexibility. The policy for staffing in SMRs is still an open question as there is a wide variety of implementation possibilities due to the varied designs and application contexts. Some vendors plan single unit deployment, while others suggest operation of multiple units from one control room. However, the policy on staffing will potentially be interdependent on several other factors such as the concept of operation, communication style, integrated system validation including control room design, and level of automation. This study investigated two staffing arrangements in a six-unit SMR simulator with licensed nuclear power plant operators. We discuss variations in how; participants organize themselves and assign responsibility in the absence of a defined concept of operation, their monitoring strategies, how they respond to failures and prioritize task work, and how they respond to single unit and multiple unit failures. We also discuss the workload participants experienced during the scenarios implemented. The limitations of our studies and implications for future research and industry application are presented.

Keywords: Small Modular Reactors, Multi-Unit Operation, Staffing, Workload, Ipwr, Smr

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005044

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