Load control of the point model of a PWR-type nuclear reactor using a tuned controller with the DE algorithm

The load control of a nuclear reactor is important due to the nonlinear nature of its dynamics and the dependence of some parameters on the output power. the Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller is commonly regarded as an easy choice for reliable control. In this research, the relative neutron density in the point kinetics model of a Pressurized Water Reactor is controlled by an optimized Proportional-Integral-Derivative with the meta-heuristic Differential Evolution algorithm. The Integral of Time-Absolute Error performance index has been used for optimization with this algorithm. The simulation results show that the optimized control system with the Differential Evolution algorithm has the appropriate efficiency and accuracy in response to power demand.