Non-integer Order Control Scheme for Pressurized Water Reactor Core Power

Abstract

Tracking load changes in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with the help of an efficient core power control scheme in a nuclear power station is very important. The reason is that it is challenging to maintain a stable core power according to the reference value within an acceptable tolerance for the safety of PWR. To overcome the uncertainties, a non-integer-based fractional order control method is demonstrated to control the core power of PWR. The available dynamic model of the reactor core is used in this analysis. Core power is controlled using a modified state feedback approach with a non-integer integral scheme through two different approximations, CRONE (Commande Robuste d'Ordre Non Entier, meaning Non-integer order Robust Control) and FOMCON (non-integer order modeling and control). Simulation results are produced using MATLAB^® program. Both non-integer results are compared with an integer order PI (Proportional Integral) algorithm to justify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Sate-space model Core power control Non-integer control Pressurized water reactor PI controller CRONE FOMCON.