Model-free fuzzy tracking control of a nuclear reactor

In this paper we present an approach, based on fuzzy logic and Lyapunov stability theory, to the tracking control of a nuclear reactor system. The control is carried out adaptively on the basis of a fuzzy rule base in which the so-called Consequents of the IF–THEN rules are modified through a proper adaptive law which enables tracking the desired reference trajectory. The power of the method is demonstrated first on a simplified model, taken from the literature, and then on a full nuclear reactor simulation code available from the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).