An advanced man-machine system for BWR nuclear power plants

Developmental efforts to improve man-machine systems for BWR nuclear power plants have been carried out. A computerized operator support system has been developed based on the operators´ role from the plant operational safety point of view. The support of human operators in their knowledge-based behaviour to cope with unanticipated abnormal events has been developed, considering the advance in artificial intelligence and cognitive system engineering. A top down design approach has been adopted based on cognitive work analysis, and the following main functions have been established: an ecological interface-support of the operator´s direct preception and analytical reasoning; an cognitive model-based advisor-support of the operators´ cognitive resources; and a robust automatic sequence controller.<>