Neutronics design optimization of a small modular fast reactor based on response surface methodology

Abstract

RSM (response surface methodology) and multi-objective optimization are employed to optimize the preliminary design of a Small Modular Fast Reactor. The basic idea of RSM is to use mathematical models to represent and describe the complicated relationship between inputs and outputs for multi-variable and multi-objective problems. In this study, by means of RSM, a preliminary core design that meets the requirements of both small excess reactivity and small burnup reactivity swing is proposed without empirical preliminary calculation and time-consuming search. The core design is then fine-tuned according to the common engineering requirements. Finally, a 50MWt core design with a burnup reactivity swing<1$ in 20 years has been proposed. In addition, two independent control systems are designed and performance of the core has been studied. Results of the basic core design using RSM show that RSM is a candidate method feasible for preliminary core design.