Optimization of the worth shape of axially variable strength control rods with simulation optimization methodology for the power maneuvering of pressurized water reactors

Abstract

In this research, the optimization of the worth shape of axially variable strength control rods (AVSCRs) is performed to provide optimal performance to the AVSCRs for the power maneuvering of PWRs. The optimization objective is minimizing axial offset (AO) violation of target boundaries during the power maneuvering, and the objective functions for the optimization are relationships between AO variation and axial worth shape of the AVSCRs. However, in this case, an analytic objective function does not exist, and the response for input can only be evaluated by computer simulation. Therefore, a simulation optimization methodology is used. The response surface methodology (RSM) is adopted and objective functions are evaluated with a typical 100-50-100%, 2-6-2-14 h pattern of daily load-follow power maneuvering using reactor simulation code. The optimization result shows that the optimized AVSCRs have good performance on the AO control. The violation of the AO target boundary during the power maneuvering is minimized, and consequently the AO is regulated well within the AO target band during the power maneuvering. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.