Large Htgr Control Room Design

The standard HTGR control room arrangement is based on an extensive program that started with a study of human engineering principles and evolved with the use of a full-scale mock-up employed to arrive at an optimized control board layout and select proper components for the man-machine interface. The integrated control system makes extensive use of a dual computer as a tool for data collection, alarming, and formatting information for the operator, using cathode ray tubes (CRTs) as the prime display. Window type annunciators, recorders, and large pistol-grip switches have been replaced by multicolor CRTs, line printers, and miniature pushbutton switches designed into a compact monitoring and control console. The console is designed for stand-up and sit-down operation and is shaped for maximum operator convenience. Indicators and controls are functionally arranged so the operator can easily scan, compare like parameters, and respond to abnormal conditions. Each reactor unit of a multiunit plant is provided with dedicated instruments and controls that can be housed in separate or common control rooms as desired by the customer. The design includes modular design features for board-mounted components as well as for the control boards. This modular design provides benefits through flexibility in control room arrangement, later hardware delivery to the job site, improved structural capability, and flexibility to accommodate late changes.