An Evaluation of the Operator Mental Workload of Advanced Control Facilities in Korea Next Generation Reactor

The objective of this study is to evaluate impact of computer-based man-machine interfaces of Korea Next Generation Reactor (KNGR) on the operator mental workload. Empirical experiments were conducted to measure the operator mental workloads of KNGR and Yong-Gwang Unit 3 and 4, respectively. A comparison analysis based on a NASA TLX revealed that Yong-Gwang Unit 3 and 4 were superior to KNGR in terms of the mental workload. Post-hoc analyses showed that the mental workload of senior reactor operators was significantly higher than those of reactor and turbine operators, regardless of plant types. The implications of the findings were discussed in detail.