Particle Swarm Optimization to the U-tube steam generator in the nuclear power plant

•We establish stability mathematical model of steam generator and reactor core.•We propose a new Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm.•The algorithm can overcome premature phenomenon and has a high search precision.•Optimal weight of steam generator is 15.1% less than the original.•Sensitivity analysis and optimal design provide reference for steam generator design.

This paper, proposed an improved Particle Swarm Optimization approach for optimize a U-tube steam generator mathematical model. The UTSG is one of the most important component related to safety of most of the pressurized water reactor. The purpose of this article is to present an approach to optimization in which every target is considered as a separate objective to be optimized. Multi-objective optimization is a powerful tool for resolving conflicting objectives in engineering design and numerous other fields. One approach to solve multi-objective optimization problems is the non-dominated sorting Particle Swarm Optimization. PSO was applied in regarding the choice of the time intervals for the periodic testing of the model of the steam generator.