The model predictive controller for the feedwater and level control of a nuclear steam generator

Abstract

Steam generator level control at low power is difficult due to its adverse thermal hydraulic properties, and is conducted by an operator. The basic model predictive control (MPC) is similar to the action of an operator in that the operator knows the desired reference trajectory for a finite period of time and takes the necessary control actions needed to ensure the desired trajectory. An MPC is based on a model; the performance as well as the efficiency of the MPC depends heavily on the exactness of the model. In this study, steam generator models that can describe in detail its thermal hydraulic behaviors, particularly at low power, are used in the MPC design. The design scope is divided into two parts. First, the MPC feedwater controller of the feedwater station is determined, and then the MPC level controller for the overall system is designed. Because the dynamic properties of a steam generator change with the power levels, a realistic situation is simulated by changing the transfer functions of the steam generator at every time step. The resulting MPC controller shows good performance.