Modeling And Control Of A Large Nuclear Reactor

Control analysis and design of large nuclear reactors requires a suitable mathematical model representing the steady state and dynamic behavior of the reactor with reasonable accuracy. This task is, however, quite challenging because of several complex dynamic phenomena existing in a reactor. Quite often, the models developed would be of prohibitively large order, non-linear and of complex structure not readily amenable for control studies. Moreover, the existence of simultaneously occurring dynamic variations at different speeds makes the mathematical model susceptible to numerical ill-conditioning, inhibiting direct application of standard control techniques. This monograph introduces a technique for mathematical modeling of large nuclear reactors in the framework of multi-point kinetics, to obtain a comparatively smaller order model in standard state space form thus overcoming these difficulties. It further brings in innovative methods for controller design for systems exhibiting multi-time-scale property, with emphasis on three-time-scale systems.

This book is devoted to the mathematical optimization theory and modeling techniques that recently have been applied to the problem of controlling the shape and intensity of the power density distribution in the core of large nuclear reactors. The book has been prepared with the following purposes in mind: 1. To provide, in a condensed manner, the background preparation on reactor kinetics required for a comprehensive description of the main problems encountered in designing spatial control systems for nuclear reactor cores. 2. To present the work that has already been done on this subject and provide the basic mathematical tools required for a full understand ing of the different methods proposed in the literature. 3. To stimulate further work in this challenging area by weighting the advantages and disadvantages of the existing techniques and evaluating their effectiveness and applicability. In addition to coverage of the standard topics on the subject of optimal control for distributed parametersystems, the book includes, at amathemati cal level suitable for graduate students in engineering, discussions of con ceptsoffunctional analysis, the representation theory ofgroups, and integral equations. Although these topics constitute a requisite for a full understanding of the new developments in the area of reactor modeling and control, they are seidom treated together in a single book and, when they are, their presenta tion isoften directed to the mathematician.They are thus relatively unknown to the engineering community.

Dynamics and Control of Nuclear Reactors presents the latest knowledge and research in reactor dynamics, control and instrumentation; important factors in ensuring the safe and economic operation of nuclear power plants. This book provides current and future engineers with a single resource containing all relevant information, including detailed treatments on the modeling, simulation, operational features and dynamic characteristics of pressurized light-water reactors, boiling light-water reactors, pressurized heavy-water reactors and molten-salt reactors. It also provides pertinent, but less detailed information on small modular reactors, sodium fast reactors, and gas-cooled reactors. Provides case studies and examples to demonstrate learning through problem solving, including an analysis of accidents at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi Includes MATLAB codes to enable the reader to apply the knowledge gained to their own projects and research Features examples and problems that illustrate the principles of dynamic analysis as well as the mathematical tools necessary to understand and apply the analysis Publishers Note: Table 3.1 has been revised and will be included in future printings of the book with the following data: Group Decay Constant, li (sec-1) Delayed Neutron Fraction (bi) 1 0.0124 0.000221 2 0.0305 0.001467 3 0.111 0.001313 4 0.301 0.002647 5 1.14 0.000771 6 3.01 0.000281 Total delayed neutron fraction: 0.0067

This book examines the different spatial control techniques for regulation of spatial power distribution in advanced heavy water reactors (AHWR). It begins with a review of the literature pertinent to the modeling and control of large reactors. It also offers a nodal-core model based on finite difference approximation since the AHWR core is considered to be divided into 17 relatively large nodes. Further, it introduces a nonlinear model characterizing important thermal hydraulics parameters of AHWR and integrates it into the neutronics model to obtain a coupled neutronics-thermal hydraulics model of AHWR. The book also presents a vectorized nonlinear model of AHWR and implements it in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The model of the reactor is then linearized at the rated power and put into standard state variable form. It is characterized by 90 states, 5 inputs and 18 outputs. Lastly, it discusses control techniques for a nonlinear model of AHWR. This book will prove to be a valuable resource for professional engineers and implementation specialists, researchers and students.

This book addresses the topic of fractional-order modeling of nuclear reactors. Approaching neutron transport in the reactor core as anomalous diffusion, specifically subdiffusion, it starts with the development of fractional-order neutron telegraph equations. Using a systematic approach, the book then examines the development and analysis of various fractional-order models representing nuclear reactor dynamics, ultimately leading to the fractional-order linear and nonlinear control-oriented models. The book utilizes the mathematical tool of fractional calculus, the calculus of derivatives and integrals with arbitrary non-integer orders (real or complex), which has recently been found to provide a more compact and realistic representation to the dynamics of diverse physical systems. Including extensive simulation results and discussing important issues related to the fractional-order modeling of nuclear reactors, the book offers a valuable resource for students and researchers working in the areas of fractional-order modeling and control and nuclear reactor modeling.

Operating at a high level of fuel efficiency, safety, proliferation-resistance, sustainability and cost, generation IV nuclear reactors promise enhanced features to an energy resource which is already seen as an outstanding source of reliable base load power. The performance and reliability of materials when subjected to the higher neutron doses and extremely corrosive higher temperature environments that will be found in generation IV nuclear reactors are essential areas of study, as key considerations for the successful development of generation IV reactors are suitable structural materials for both in-core and out-of-core applications. Structural Materials for Generation IV Nuclear Reactors explores the current state-of-the art in these areas. Part One reviews the materials, requirements and challenges in generation IV systems. Part Two presents the core materials with chapters on irradiation resistant austenitic steels, ODS/FM steels and refractory metals amongst others. Part Three looks at out-of-core materials. Structural Materials for Generation IV Nuclear Reactors is an essential reference text for professional scientists, engineers and postgraduate researchers involved in the development of generation IV nuclear reactors. Introduces the higher neutron doses and extremely corrosive higher temperature environments that will be found in generation IV nuclear reactors and implications for structural materials Contains chapters on the key core and out-of-core materials, from steels to advanced micro-laminates Written by an expert in that particular area

The construction of nuclear power plants in the United States is stopping, as regulators, reactor manufacturers, and operators sort out a host of technical and institutional problems. This volume summarizes the status of nuclear power, analyzes the obstacles to resumption of construction of nuclear plants, and describes and evaluates the technological alternatives for safer, more economical reactors. Topics covered include: Institutional issues-including regulatory practices at the federal and state levels, the growing trends toward greater competition in the generation of electricity, and nuclear and nonnuclear generation options. Critical evaluation of advanced reactors-covering attributes such as cost, construction time, safety, development status, and fuel cycles. Finally, three alternative federal research and development programs are presented.