The Application of Perturbation Theory Based Optimization Methods for Reactor Design

Abstract

A computer code, called OPTEC, was written to minimize the total reactor feed rate under equilibrium refuelling by adjusting the exit irradiation in specified burnup zones, while obeying constraints on excess reactivity and on the form factor. Gradients used in the search are obtained via generalized perturbation theory. Tests have shown that this approach can be used to obtain simultaneously an optimal control poison distribution. Possible applications of the method include adjuster grading with fixed total reactivity worth, and the determination of optimal initial fuel enrichment in radial burnup zones.