Nonlinear dynamics and control in molten salt reactors

Nonlinear dynamic modeling and output power control is attempted in molten salt nuclear reactors. Discrepancies between the locally linear and the globally nonlinear treatments are shown to be quite pronounced in this plant. Load following procedure is addressed as a trajectory tracking problem and feedback linearization control scheme is adopted for output power control of the reactor. A simple proportional regulator has been developed for the resultant Brunovsky system on the basis of the Lyapunov stabilization technique. The intended nonlinear control signal is finally characterized via the reverse geometric nonlinear transformation. The proposed control approach features desirable tracking performance. The variable nature of inherent feedbacks may on the other hand incur unstable dynamic behaviors and the proposed control scheme maintains an efficient stabilizing action thereof. The overall nonlinear-based modeling and control framework provides a reliable basis for the output power regulation practice in the next generation of nuclear technology. A Comparison with a simple integral regulator has moreover been addressed.