Development and Design Guideline for Computerized Human–Machine Interface in the Main Control Rooms of Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

In the development of the new main control room (MCR) for constructing nuclear power plants (NPPs) and modernization of existing NPPs, the new interface technologies have been adopted in Japan. Therefore, functional requirements and design requirements for the human-machine interface (HMI) in the MCR were expected to clarify as design guideline in Japan. According to this need, we started to investigate domestic and foreign standards, and design and operating experiences of modern NPP. Based on the results of these investigations we specified functional and design requirements for the HMI and procedures for development and design of the computerized HMI in the MCR, and established JEAG4617 as a new HMI guideline. JEAG 4617 was reviewed by the Nuclear Standard Committee of Japan Electric Association and was issued in June 2005. On July 16 2007, the Niigata-Chuetsu-Oki earthquake occurred in Kashiwazaki area, Niigata. Then there weren’t any operating trouble in Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP unit No.6 and 7, the ABWRs, during and after earthquake.