Development of maneuvering strategies using optimal control theory. [PWR]

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6494832

Ebert, D D; Terney, W B; Williamson, Jr, E A; Gomm, N R

A method for developing maneuvering control strategies using optimal control theory is presented. A computer code, OPXENON, based on Pontryagin's Principle, has been written, tested, and applied to maneuvering control problems. It uses modified one-group diffusion theory with Doppler and moderator feedback, and ia able to handle up to 20 mesh points in one dimension and 100 time steps. The neutronics have been verified by comparison with standard maneuvering codes, and the Euler-Lagrange solution has been verified by comparison to known optimization resluts. Convergence to the optimal or near-optimal control is obtained within a few iterations. The code is particularly useful when there are several conflicting performance criteria. It has been applied to the problem of minimizing the boron interchange during a pressurized water reactor maneuver while maintaining acceptable shapes.

• Research Organization: Combustion Engineering, Inc., Windsor, CT
• OSTI ID: 6494832
• Journal Information: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 69:3; ISSN NSENA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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