Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Hosseinllu, M.
• Abbasi, M.
• Safarzadeh, O.
• Dehghani, F.

Titel

Multi-objective loading pattern optimization of a soluble boron free core using social spider algorithm

Ist Teil von

• Nuclear engineering and design, 2024-04, Vol.420, Article 113034

Ort / Verlag

Elsevier B.V

Erscheinungsjahr

2024

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

Alma/SFX Local Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• •A new optimization algorithm, Social Spider Algorithm (SSA), is developed for loading pattern optimization of the SMR core.•A novel two-batch soluble boron free SMR core with low enrichment fuel has been proposed.•A new multi-objective cost function is recommended for the loading pattern optimization application of soluble boron free core.•The control rod movement scheme is considered entire the fuel cycle to keep the core critical. Shortly due to their favorable economic and safety characteristics, Small Modular Reactors (SMR) systems are expected to be in high demand. To ensure effective operation and the proper safety margins of SMRs, it is crucial to find the optimum Loading Pattern (LP). In this paper, we proposed a 300 MWth soluble boron free UO2 fueled core with 20 MWd/KgU discharge burnup. The Fuel Assemblies (FAs) and Burnable Poisons (BPs) configuration for LP of the Soluble Boron Free (SBF) SMR core must fulfill specific technical requirements. A new meta-heuristic optimization algorithm, Social Spider Algorithm (SSA), is developed for implementation in the Loading Pattern Optimization (LPO) of the SMR cores. The SSA provides results that are comparable with PSO solutions as a popular method that are used for LPO problems. A new multi-objective cost function is recommended for LPO of SBF SMRs, which have high through-life reactivity swing due to poison depletion. The objectives of a neutronic parameters such as assessing appropriate excess reactivity, reducing the radial PPF at Beginning Of Cycle (BOC), reducing the highest radial PPF entire the cycle, reducing the reactivity swing entire the cycle, and achieve to proper cycle length have been considered simultaneously. Apart from the newly proposed two-batch SBF core with a new metaheuristic algorithm, the control rod movement scheme is considered entire the irradiation cycle to reach the core criticality. The new method results in promising convergence rates and reliability; hence it can be used in various optimization applications in the field of nuclear engineering.