Modified Bi-parametric Method for optimization of BWR fuel reload patterns

In this paper, a Modified Bi-parametric Method for optimization of fuel reload patterns of the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant BWR reactors is presented. This method is a modification of Bi-parametric Method developed by D.P. Burte and Vaidya. The BWR reactors of LVNPP operate under a reactivity control system that is not compatible with the original Bi-parametric Method. A computer code, MAPATES, was developed which utilized the Modified Bi-parametric Method. The MAPATES code is used to generate reload patterns for Cycle 4-Unit 1 of the LVNPP. The reload patterns were generated using reactor quarter core symmetry. Without varying neither number nor characteristic of reload fuel assemblies; the MAPATES code generated a reload pattern that extended the cycle length reference loading pattern by 16 full-power operation days. It was also made a comparison against two other approaches to solve the same reload pattern, MBM overcame these approaches.