Evaluating Transient Handling Capability of Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)

Abdul Rehman Abbasi, Fahad Wallam

Abstract


Safe and reliable control of a nuclear reactor with sufficient accuracy has been a challenging task. The objective of this work is to design a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for a PHWR that not only provides a safe and reliable operation but also a fast and accurate reactor control, especially under transient situations. To design such controller, we select a 22nd order Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) model of the PHWR. We consider Xenon and Iodine dynamics, fuel and coolant temperature feedbacks, delayed and photo neutron concentrations while developing the model. A modern FLC is designed using the Mamdani type inference engine. The controller is simulated and validated for; (i) step power changes, (ii) reactivity disturbances, and (iii) loss of grid scenario. Our results show that the controller performs well in terms of safety, reliability and accuracy.

Keywords


Fuzzy Logic Controller, Safety, Reliability, Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor, Transient Handling

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