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

Fuzzy Logic Controller
Safety
Reliability
Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor
Transient Handling

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.
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