Cutting-Edge SMR Simulator and Expert Services
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Welcome to the forefront of nuclear energy innovation at IFE. We offer a suite of services aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) operation, with a particular focus on human factors and team performance within control room environments.
Unraveling Human Factors
Safe and effective SMR operation relies heavily on understanding Human Factors (HF). This involves everything from operational concepts, staffing and training to user interface design, alarm systems and the level and transparency of automation. Careful considerations must be given to these elements as they impact individual and team performance.
At IFE, we specialize in conducting human factors studies, ranging from small-scale investigations to comprehensive experiments. Our expertise includes:
- Performance assessments related to aspects such as user interface design, concept of operations (single-unit, multi-unit, remote operation, etc.), staffing, crew configurations, automation failure, and cybersecurity threats.
- Design and evaluation of user interfaces and control rooms
- Scenario-based analyses.
Cutting-Edge SMR Simulator
Our Halden SMR simulator (HSMR) provides a platform for research, evaluation, and training, offering unique and unmatched research capabilities. Unlike other simulators tethered to specific vendors, our facility supports independent and unbiased research. Key features of the HSMR simulator include:
- Flexible Simulation: Simulate 1 to 12 integrated pressurized water reactors (iPWR), with each unit operating independently but sharing a common electric system and ultimate heat sink.
- Advanced Features: Advanced automation, state-based deviation detection and alarming for operational efficiency.
- Customizable User Interfaces: Operators can configure user interfaces (HSIs) across multiple screens, enabling operators to monitor and control all or specific subsets of units, whether on-site or remotely over web.
Pioneering Research and Development
We are committed to continuous development to meet the evolving needs of SMR technology. Our ongoing developments include:
- State-of-the-Art HSI: A user interface designed for multi-unit SMR operation, aiming at enhancing operator performance and situational awareness. The user interface is based on research in human-computer interaction and rapid perception display graphics, and our expertise in designing for a high level of situation awareness in nuclear applications. The design process is compliant with human-centered industry guidelines.
- Digital Procedure Tool: A digital procedure tool intended to support single and multi-unit operation, seamlessly integrating data from the HSMR simulator for enhanced automation and efficiency.
Ongoing and major research projects related to SMRs include:
Services related to SMR operation and control rooms
IFE offers a range of services related to the operation of SMRs, including:
Human Factors Studies
Conduct realistic studies of control room operators’ behavior and performance in our lab environments (HAMMLAB and HAMMSAT).
Evaluate operator situation awareness (SA).
Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) as part of an overall plant risk analysis effort.
Scenario Development
Design scenarios for research and evaluation.
Testing of Operational Concepts
Test and validate operational concepts (single-unit, multi-unit, remote operation, etc.) including staffing and crew configurations.
Integrated System Validation (ISV)
Conduct performance-based tests to ensure that the integrated system design (i.e., hardware, software, and crew) meets performance requirements and supports safe plant operation.
SMR Control Room Systems Design
Develop and evaluate prototypes for SMR control room systems. This includes user interfaces (HSI), alarm systems, computer-based procedures, and automation.
See also our services related to ProcSee.
SMR Control Rooms
Design and evaluate conceptual and detailed SMR control room designs.
See also our services related to CREATE.
Support tool for Operator Training
Advanced tool to support instructors in providing efficient simulator training and in-depth analysis of operator and crew performance. See STEAMS.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity assessments, threat modeling, and risk mitigation; Security Operations Center (SOC) establishment and operation support; and training and evaluation in incident management and response strategies. See Cybersecurity centre
Collaboration Opportunities
Join us in shaping the future of nuclear energy. Whether you need research facilities, expert consultation, or partnership opportunities, IFE is ready to collaborate for a safer, more efficient, and sustainable energy future.