Nuclear Reactor Load-Following Control With Boron And Rod Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual boron concentration control in nuclear reactors during load-following operations is burdensome for operators and affects control rod movement, lacking precision and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A load-following operation system with integrated boron concentration and control rod control units that adjust boron concentration and control rod positions based on real-time operation information, using automatic systems to reduce operator burden and enhance precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual boron concentration control is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but operator workload increases and control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically determines boron concentration control amounts and control rod operation amounts based on power change requirements, eliminating the need for manual operator calculation and prediction. The system serves itself by autonomously generating control commands without human intervention for the actual control decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from current power levels, boron concentration values, and control rod positions to continuously adjust and optimize control decisions. The control amount determination unit receives real-time operational data and adjusts control strategies based on actual system state, improving both precision and reducing operator burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If automated control systems are implemented, then control precision improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into distinct functional units: a control amount determination unit that calculates required control amounts, a boron concentration control unit that executes boron adjustments, and a control rod control unit that manages rod positions. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall control precision while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system integrates multiple control functions into a unified automated platform that handles both boron concentration control and control rod operations. The single automated system performs what previously required separate manual operations for boron management and rod control, reducing operational complexity despite increased automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If boron concentration is frequently adjusted, then power control accuracy improves, but operational stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control accuracyVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control amount determination unit calculates and prepares control commands in advance based on predicted power change requirements. By determining the necessary boron concentration adjustments and control rod movements before power changes occur, the system maintains operational stability while ensuring precise power control when changes are needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts control strategies based on real-time operational conditions, power change rates, and system state. Rather than applying fixed control rules, the control amount determination unit adapts control parameters dynamically, allowing frequent adjustments when necessary for precision while maintaining stability during normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3848942B1Load-following operation system including boron concentration adjustment and load-following operation method using same
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO LTD
  • EP3848942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3848942B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3848942B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a load-following operation system and operation method for a nuclear reactor load-following operation including boron concentration adjustment. The operation system according to the present disclosure comprises: a boron concentration control unit for adjusting a boron concentration, the boron concentration control unit comprising a boron concentration determination unit for determining a boron concentration on the basis of input first operation information and a boron concentration adjustment for adjusting a boron concentration according to the determination of the boron concentration determination unit; a control rod control unit for controlling a control rod, the control rod control unit comprising a control rod determination for determining a control of the control rod on the basis of input second operation information and a control rod driving unit for controlling the control rod according to the determination of the control rod determination unit.