Higher order sliding mode observer based estimation of precursor concentration in a research reactor

The paper pertains to model validation and novel higher order sliding mode observer design for estimating precursor concentration of a nuclear research reactor. The linear and non-linear models of Pakistan Research Reactor-1 have been tuned and validated with experimental data. These models are subsequently used for higher order sliding mode observer design and performance evaluation. After lab experimentations, the non-linear and linear models of PARR-1 have been validated by giving desired motion to the control rod and recording output power change at the actual reactor. The mathematical model of the overall system, from control rod movement to output power change is validated with different sets of data at different operating points. Based on the validated model a robust nonlinear observer for estimating precursor concentration has been developed by using second order sliding mode technique. The observer estimates this variable with only the measurement of neutron flux available. The estimated value is in close agreement with the theoretically calculated value.