Applications of discrete-event simulation in work planning at nuclear power stations

Abstract

Nuclear refurbishment projects require a significant influx of personnel on site. If improperly managed, the increased personnel can disrupt typical station activities, as well as lead to decreased productivity through increased wait and transfer times and ultimately lead to increased cost to the refurbishment program. Predictive discrete-event simulation modelling can quantify the patterns and time spent by workers and resources during refurbishment. It can provide a cost-effective method of site planning and resource scheduling to identify all bottlenecks and subsequently minimize time spent at them prior to the start of the refurbishment project. A predictive model was built to describe the flow of workers as they move through a building developed to accommodate refurbishment personnel. The analysis concluded that the addition of two radiation monitors and ten microwaves has the potential to lead to cost savings of approximately $2 million over one year.