Robust filtering for dynamic compensation of self-powered neutron detectors

• Three dynamic compensation methods based on robust filtering theory are proposed.
• Filter design problems are converted into linear matrix inequality problems.
• Rhodium and Vanadium self-powered neutron detectors are used to validate the use of these three dynamic compensation methods.
• The numerical simulation results show that all three methods can provide a reasonable balance between response speed and noise suppression.

Self-powered neutron detectors (SPNDs), which are widely used in nuclear reactors to obtain core neutron flux distribution, are accurate at steady state but respond slowly to changes in neutron flux. Dynamic compensation methods are required to improve the response speed of the SPNDs and make it possible to apply the SPNDs for core monitoring and surveillance. In this paper, three digital dynamic compensation methods are proposed. All the three methods are based on the convex optimization framework using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The simulation results show that all three methods can provide a reasonable balance between response speed and noise suppression.