Evaluation of the potential operational impact of discrepancies between training simulators and reference plants

The authors describe a recently completed project for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the utility industry, the aim of which was to develop a method for evaluating the potential operational impact of discrepancies between nuclear power plant training simulators and their reference plants. The goal of the method is to decrease the probability of errors in the actual control room that can be attributed to differences, encountered during training, between the simulator and the plant. Considerations in the method include: the criticality of operator tasks associated with the discrepancy; the obviousness of the discrepancy to the least experienced, qualified operator; and the potential for plant recovery from an operational error. After these considerations are evaluated, assignment of an impact rating can be made. Practical considerations such as training schedule and potential for training around the discrepancy were also considered.<
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