Loading pattern optimization of VVER-1000 reactor core based on the discrete golden eagle optimization algorithm

Abstract

The main features of the loading pattern optimization (LPO) problem, such as high-dimensionality, multi-modality, and non-linearity, make it difficult to achieve a truly optimal configuration. In recent years, metaheuristic methods have been successfully used to solve this problem. In this research, a discrete golden eagle optimization (DGEO) algorithm has been developed to solve the LPO problem in the first cycle of VVER-1000 reactor core. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, a linear multi-purpose fitness function has been used to improve the safety parameters of the reactor core by obtaining a flatter power distribution during the first cycle, and also to enhance the economic parameters by increasing the cycle length and reducing the cost of fuel recycling. For this purpose, a FORTRAN program has been written to map the DGEO algorithm for the LPO problem using the PMAX and PARCS core calculation code to compute the fitness function in each iteration. To speed up the calculations, parallel computing has been applied in the written program. The results demonstrated that the loading pattern, which is suggested by the DGEO algorithm, enhances all the safety and economic parameters in the fitness function. Thus, the DGEO algorithm is highly reliable for the LPO problems in the VVER 1000 reactor core.