Convenient and elegant HCI features of PFBR operator consoles for safe operation

Abstract

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is liquid Sodium cooled, mixed oxide fuelled, fast breeder reactor being built in Kalpakkam, India. This is a first of its kind in India by which we enter into the second stage of the 3-stage nuclear program in commercial scale. Three layered Distributed Digital Control System (DDCS) architecture was decided to be implemented for this reactor. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the Central Control Room in the DDCS architecture is to be developed using Qt. Considering the importance of safety in Nuclear Plants, the GUI of PFBR has to be safe, simple and unambiguous. This paper describes the structure and methodology of the GUI to provide ease and safe operation and discusses about such a development of GUI. It also discusses the operator and computer limitations and the method of achieving a balance between them with Human Computer Interaction (HCI). In this process, the specifications for a HCI development are structured. The implementation of such a HCI with Qt software is also elaborated. A Case Study with Sodium Fill & Drain system is mimicked as per the specifications defined.