Optimized FOPID controller for nuclear research reactor using enhanced planet optimization algorithm

• Published in: Alexandria engineering journal Vol. 97; pp. 267 - 282
• Main Authors: Abdelfattah, Hany, Aseeri, Ahmad O., Abd Elaziz, Mohamed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Arithmetic optimization algorithm; Particle swarm optimization algorithm, fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller; Planet optimization algorithm; Planet optimization algorithm; Particle swarm optimization algorithm, fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller; Arithmetic optimization algorithm
• ISSN: 1110-0168
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2024.04.021

Nuclear reactor control is pivotal for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants, facilitating the regulation of reactor reactivity. This study introduces an optimized fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller tailored for maintaining reactivity levels in nuclear power plants, particularly during load-following operations. The controller adjusts the position of control rod to regulate power output effectively. We enhance FOPID controller's performance using a modification of Planet Optimization Algorithm (POA-M), leveraging the strengths of the Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) to improve its exploitation capabilities. We evaluate the efficacy of POA-M-FOPID controller against traditional techniques, including POA, AOA, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). We assess its performance using the Egyptian Testing Research Reactor (ETRR-2) as a case study. Our results demonstrate that the POA-M-FOPID controller outperforms alternative algorithms across various control metrics, exhibiting superior resilience and efficiency. Notably, the utilization of the POA-M-FOPID controller yields remarkable improvements in reactor power performance, achieving significantly reduced settling time (25.27 sec) and maximum overshoot (0.67 %) compared to conventional FOPID controllers incorporating POA, AOA, and PSO methods. These findings underscore the effectiveness of POA-M-FOPID in enhancing nuclear reactor control systems, offering potential benefits for broader nuclear power industry in terms of safety, stability, and operational efficiency.