Development of a Human and Technology Integration Methodology That Enables Work Optimization at Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

The existing United States nuclear power plants are in need of modernization of digital technologies to reduce their operating cost. However, they have been historically reluctant to adopt digital technologies due to a range of regulatory and technical challenges. Addressing human and technology integration considerations are one key technical barrier that needs to be addressed. This work describes an approach to addressing such challenges in nuclear power plant modernization. This work describes the methodology through the lens of work optimization of a nuclear power plant, discussing its key features, and use of emerging systems thinking methods in its integration into a broader business case framework.