A human–machine interaction design and evaluation method by combination of scenario simulation and knowledge base

A method of designing and evaluating HMI (human–machine interaction) is proposed for the design in supervisory control of fully digitalized I&C (instrumentation and control) and digitalized human–machine interface system, which is a large-scale complex system in the NPPs (nuclear power plants). The proposed method consists of plant accident scenario simulation, knowledge base establishment, and interaction simulation. The plant accident scenario simulation is to analyze the plant behavior and system sequences under the predefined conditions; the knowledge base is modeled based on the simulation results as human and machine roles; and the interaction simulation is to simulate the interactions such as between operator and plant, operator and technical advisor. The proposed method utilizes the object-oriented software named plant DiD (defense-in-depth) risk monitor with the combination of accident simulation by an advanced nuclear safety analysis code such as RELAP5/MOD4. The practical developments for the details are demonstrated using an example practice for the SBLOCA (small break loss of coolant accident) case of passive safety PWR (pressurized water reactor) AP1000.