Evaluation of 'period-generated' control laws for the time-optimal control of reactor power
Time-Optimal control of neutronic power has recently been achieved by developing control laws that determine the actuator mechanism velocity necessary to produce a specified reactor period. These laws are designated as the 'MIT-SNL Period-Generated Minimum Time Control Laws'. Relative to time-optimal response, they function by altering the rate of change of reactivity so that the instantaneous period is stepped from infinity to its minimum allowed value, held at that value until the desired power level is attained, and then stepped back to infinity. The results of a systematic evaluation of these laws are presented. The behavior of each term in the control laws is shown and the capability of these laws to control properly the reactor power is demonstrated. Factors affecting the implementation of these laws, such as the prompt neutron lifetime and the differential reactivity worth of the actuators, are discussed. Finally, the results of an experimental study in which these laws were used to adjust the power of the 5 MWt MIT Research Reactor are shown. The information presented should be of interest to those designing high performance control systems for test, spacecraft, or, in certain instances, commercial reactors.
- Research Organization:
- Nuclear Reactor Lab., The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 138 Albany Street, Cambridge, MA (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 6968424
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-871006-
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 35:1; ISSN IETNA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
220900 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
ACTUATORS
BARYONS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL THEORY
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
HADRONS
KINETICS
NEUTRONS
NUCLEONS
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
REACTIVITY WORTHS
REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
REACTOR KINETICS
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
RESEARCH REACTORS
SAFETY
TIME DEPENDENCE