Power estimation in the pressurized water reactor

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6816598

Griffith, J M

The operation of a pressurized water reactor requires an estimate of average core power. If there is uncertainty in the power estimate, the plant must be operated at a reduced power level to ensure that safety-related indexes are not exceeded. Thus, power estimate uncertainty results in decreased energy production. A Kalman filter has been designed to combine information from several sources and thereby reduce power estimation errors. The investigation provides three primary results. First, clearly defined instrument-error models are specified and the need for these models becomes clear. Second, the investigation shows that the sensitivity to unexpected errors can be reduced by utilizing information from more than one source. Third, calculations for a hypothetical 1000-MW(electric) power plant that sells electrical energy for $0.06/kWh show that an additional annual revenue of approximately $1 million can be realized by applying the Kalman filter. A few calculations are the only investment needed to obtain the additional revenue.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415
• OSTI ID: 6816598
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 56:3; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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210200* -- Power Reactors
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COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DATA ACQUISITION
DATA COVARIANCES
DIGITAL FILTERS
ERRORS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
POWER FACTOR
POWER RANGE 100-1000 MW
PROBABILISTIC ESTIMATION
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REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
REACTOR SAFETY
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WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS