ML24327A178
| ML24327A178 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Nuclear Energy Institute |
| Issue date: | 11/22/2024 |
| From: | Correll J Nuclear Energy Institute |
| To: | NRC/NRR/DRO |
| References | |
| Download: ML24327A178 (1) | |
Text
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 1 Use of Glass Top Simulators Operator Licensing Public Meeting November 22, 2024
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 2 Purpose 2
Discuss opportunities to expand the use of glass top, part-task and limited scope simulators during licensed operator training & evaluation activities.
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 3 H.B. Robinson Nuclear Power Plant Full Scope Glass Top Simulator
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 4 Available simulation tools continue to evolve and expand as the nuclear industry upgrades from analog to digital systems &
controls, develops tools to aid in training & qualifications, and looks forward to advanced reactor designs and applications.
Background
These simulation tools offer innovative and effective teaching methods for many training tasks thereby augmenting full scope and plant reference simulators.
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 5 Glass top simulators successfully mimic digital controls used in the plant.
Simulator models are derived from software used in plant reference simulators.
Appropriate use cases may be successfully determined through use of the systematic approach to training (SAT).
Use could be also expanded to initial license exam operating test activities (e.g., JPMs).
Proposed part 53 rulemaking recognizes potential use and flexibility of alternative simulation facilities (e.g., partial scope versus full-scope simulators)
Discussion
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 6 Part 55 defines Simulation Facility as; one or more of the following components, alone or in combination: used for either the partial conduct of operating tests for operators, senior operators, and license applicants, or to establish on-the-job training and experience prerequisites for operator license eligibility:
(1) A plant-referenced simulator; (2) A Commission-approved simulator under 55.46(b); or (3) Another simulation device, including part-task and limited scope simulation devices, approved under 55.46(b).
Discussion
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 7 RG 1.149 (rev. 4, 2011) provides guidance on methods acceptable to the NRC for complying with regulations associated with nuclear power plant simulation facility for use in operator and senior operator training and license examination operating tests.
While it recognizes the value of a plant reference simulator, it also provides an option to use other simulation devices, including part-task and limited scope simulation devices approved under 55.46(b) to train and examine operators and senior operators by demonstrating that use of these devices will not result in negative training.
Rev. 4 endorsed ANSI/ANS 3.5-2009.
Draft RG 1.149 rev. 5 is expected to endorse ANSI/ANS 3.5-2018 that has been updated to further address maintaining simulators throughout the life of commercial nuclear power plants.
Not yet available for public comment.
ANSI/ANS 3.5-2018 contains an appendix (for informational purposes only) to help adapt the standard to part-task and limited-scope simulators used to satisfy operator training learning objectives when determined appropriate using SAT.
Discussion
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 8 Consider as part of draft RG 1.149 rev. 5 clarifications and guidance on use of part-task or limited scope simulation devices (e.g., glass top simulators).
Consider guidance on use of commission approved simulators IAW 55.46(b) in lieu of plant reference simulators with insights proposed in part 53.
For example, consider referencing National Academy for Nuclear Training (NANT) guidelines (e.g., ACAD 07-002, Guidelines for Simulator Training),
in RG 1.149 as an appropriate means for using SAT to evaluate tasks using part-task/limited scope simulation devices (e.g., glass top simulators).
Recommendations
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 9
Significant technological advancements have been made in glass top simulators and other part-task/limited scope simulation devices that are available and are being effectively used in various industry training programs.
More opportunities exist to utilize these devices in operator training and evaluations including license exam operating test activities (e.g., JPMs).
This would provide many benefits including reducing delays experienced by NRC examiners and operator license candidates during elements of the operating test and walkthroughs that currently utilizes the plant reference simulator for individual task evaluations. (e.g., JPMs).
The SAT process, NANT standards and other guidance can be utilized to ensure use of these simulation devices are appropriate and does not result in negative training or evaluation.
This directly supports the provisions contained in the ADVANCE Act.
Summary
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 10
Provide feedback on draft RG 1.149 rev. 5 when available for public comment.
Evaluate current NANT guidelines and how SAT can be used to evaluate glass top simulators and other simulation devices for use during operator training &
evaluation.
Continued discussions in future public meetings/workshops.
Next Steps
©2024 Nuclear Energy Institute 11 Questions