Optimization of the response of a nuclear reactor plant to changes in demand

Optimal control systems are developed for response to changing load demands by on-line analog solution of a set of matrix Riccati equations. The feedback network parameters are optimized continuously whatever the pattern of load demand or of unplanned plant excursions. Solution is essentially instantaneous by the correct choice of integrator gains. Nonlinearities can be handled by a suitable choice of performance index or by a continuous adjustment of a reference trajectory to be close to the optimum. Plants with positive or negative temperature coefficients can be controlled. The functioning of such control systems is verified by means of a simulated reactor plant.