Control of nuclear propulsion plant power transients

Abstract

The nuclear propulsion plant of the N.S. Savannah is simplified and simulated using Digital Simulation Language. The plant is subjected to an up power transient of sixty-five percent and a down power transient of eighty percent. Constraints are imposed to limit power excursions, minimize reactor coolant hot leg temperature and maximize boiler saturation temperature while maintaining average coolant temperature constant. Combinations of control rod movement and changes in reactor coolant flow rate are studied in order to determine the control systems that best satisfy the constraints and minimize the time to steady state for each transient.