Pointwise Fast Neutron Spectrum Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating pointwise fast neutron spectra in nuclear reactors are limited by errors in lattice physics calculations, which propagate into core-wide calculations, leading to inaccuracies in neutron balance and power distribution predictions.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented by an electronic processor to generate a pointwise fast neutron spectrum using composition, source, and nuclear data through numerical integration, employing adaptive algorithms and nested quadrature rules like the Gauss-Kronrod Quadrature, to accurately calculate the neutron spectrum at each energy point and refine the energy mesh for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lattice physics calculations are performed to generate neutron spectra, then the neutron population distribution can be determined, but errors in lattice physics propagate into core-wide calculations leading to inaccuracies in neutron balance and power distribution predictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that uses pointwise fast neutron spectra as a bridge between lattice physics calculations and core-wide transport calculations. This intermediary spectrum serves as a more accurate input that reduces error propagation while maintaining the hierarchical calculation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from traditional grouped neutron spectra to pointwise fast neutron spectra with higher energy resolution. This parameter change improves the accuracy of neutron population distribution while enabling better control over error propagation through refined spectral data.
2Productivity
If traditional lattice physics methods are used, then computational speed is maintained, but fidelity of lattice physics calculations is insufficient leading to errors in neutron balance predictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial excessive action by performing high-fidelity pointwise fast neutron spectrum calculations only in the lattice physics stage where they are most needed, rather than throughout all calculation stages. This selective application maintains computational efficiency while improving fidelity where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the neutron energy spectrum into pointwise fast neutron spectra with refined energy groups, allowing high-fidelity calculations to be performed in specific energy ranges where they provide the greatest benefit, rather than uniformly across all energy groups.
3Device complexity
If coarse discretization is used for neutron population variables, then computational complexity is reduced, but accuracy in power distribution and neutron balance predictions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using fine pointwise energy discretization in the fast neutron energy range where high accuracy is critical for power distribution predictions, while potentially using coarser discretization in other energy ranges or calculation stages where less accuracy is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods implemented by at least one electronic processor for generating pointwise fast neutron spectra may include receiving composition data; receiving source data or calculating the source data; receiving nuclear data; and calculating the pointwise fast neutron spectrum based on numerical integration using the composition, source, and nuclear data. Systems for generating pointwise fast neutron spectra may include a bus; at least one electronic processor connected to the bus; an input device connected to the bus; and a communication link connected to the bus. The at least one electronic processor may be configured to receive composition data from the input device via the bus, to receive source data from the input device via the bus or to calculate the source data, to receive nuclear data from the communication link via the bus, and to calculate the pointwise fast neutron spectrum based on numerical integration using the composition, source, and nuclear data.