Abstract
Instrumentation, controls, and human-machine interfaces are essential enabling technologies that strongly influence nuclear power plant performance and operational costs. Additionally, the impact of digital technology and highly integrated control rooms on the licensing of new nuclear power plants has been recognized as a critical path issue. The experience base with implementation and licensing digital instrumentation, controls, and human-machine interface (ICHMI) technologies within the nuclear power application domain is limited and dissemination of lessons learned and regulatory bases has historically been intermittent and incomplete. As a result of these considerations, the international nuclear power industry has dramatically increased its focus on addressing technical challenges to the effective utilization of these technologies and resolving regulatory uncertainties that could inhibit the transition from traditional analog-based instrumentation, controls, and human-machine interface (ICHMI) systems to highly reliable, fully digital systems. In particular, the conduct of international conferences, technical meetings and working groups dedicated to ICHMI topics has increased significantly.