Experimental Evaluation of Predictive Information as an Operator Aid in the Control of Research Reactor Power

This paper reports the results of a successful experimental study in which the benefits of providing predictive information to the operators of the 5 MWt MIT Research Reactor were demonstrated. The predictive information, which was in the form of computer-generated graphic displays, was used by the operators as an aid for the control of reactor power. This research is part of an on-going program to develop methods for improving human performance by providing better tools for decision making. The design of five displays that provide various combinations of derivative, current, and predictive information are described. Also included is material on the protocol used to evaluate these displays, the findings of the experiments, and possible applications of predictive technology including the control of steam generator level. It was concluded that predictive displays would be of particular benefit to plant operators during the conduct of infrequently-performed evolutions.