Analysis of harmonic control systems of power distribution in a reactor

Abstract

This paper investigates a comparatively new algorithm of harmonic (modal) control of power distribution. A digital reactor simulation program provided the methodological basis for the study. The approach to power distribution control systems based on the harmonic model of the controlled reactor enabled the authors to establish analytical criteria and to derive qualitative estimates of stability, efficiency, and noise-tolerance of various control structures. The authors demonstrate the proposed procedure for the case of a totalpower control system in a reactor with ''fast'' power coefficient of reactivity using a single control rod at the core center. Results of the study are presented in detail. The authors note that the implementation of a space-time filter in reactor control systems utilizing the harmonic control principle with the number of control rods and sensors exceeding the number of controlled harmonics opens certain new control possibilities and in some cases increases control effectiveness.