Application of the ''reactivity constraint approach'' to automatic reactor control
The ''reactivity constraint approach'' is described and demonstrated to be an effective and reliable means for the automatic control of power in nuclear reactors. This approach functions by restricting the effect of the delayed neutron populations to that which can be balanced by an induced change in the prompt population. This is done by limiting the net reactivity to the amount that can be offset by reversing the direction of motion of the automated control mechanism. The necessary reactivity constraints are obtained from the dynamic period equation, which gives the instantaneous reactor period as a function of the reactivity and the rate of change of reactivity. The derivation of this equation is described with emphasis on the recently obtained ''alternate'' formulation. Following a discussion of the behavior of each term of this alternate equation as a function of reactivity, its use in the design and operation of a nonlinear, closed-loop, digital controller for reactor power is in the design and operation of a nonlinear, closed-loop, digital controller for reactor power is described. Details of the initial experimental trials of the resulting controller are given.
- Research Organization:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nuclear Reactor Lab., 138 Albany Street, Cambridge, MA (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 6957005
- Journal Information:
- Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 98:2; ISSN NSENA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220100* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Theory & Calculation
220400 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
AUTOMATION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DESIGN
EQUATIONS
KINETICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NEUTRON FLUX
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
OPERATION
PHYSICS
POWER DENSITY
RADIATION FLUX
REACTIVITY
REACTIVITY COEFFICIENTS
REACTIVITY INSERTIONS
REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
REACTOR KINETICS
REACTOR PHYSICS