PLAYGO: Program for BWR LP-CRP Automatic Yielding by using GA Optimization

Abstract

PLAYGO, the Program for Boiling Water Reactor Loading-pattern and control-rod-pattern Automatic Yielding by using Genetic algorithm Optimization, has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research. This program utilizes a loading pattern scoping code, AUTOLPD, to search for an optimal loading pattern, and then uses a control rod pattern design code, AUTOROD, to generate a set of control rod patterns from the beginning of cycle to the end of cycle for the optimized loading pattern. PLAYGO offers two feedback mechanisms to adjust loading pattern in case the cycle length or the shutdown margin of the optimized loading pattern does not meet the specified criteria. Both AUTOLPD and AUTOROD use genetic algorithm as the optimization method. The automatic system has been tested through several actual cycles of Kuosheng Nuclear Power Plant. Results show that PLAYGO can be used to successfully find the optimal loading patterns and control rod patterns under different core conditions.