• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.53 no.2
• /
• pp.688-694
• /
• 2021

The aim of this work is the analysis, design and hardware implementation of the fractional-order point kinetics (FNPK) model along with its closed-loop controller. The stability and closed-loop control of FNPK models are critical issues. The closed-loop stability of the controller-plant structure is established. Further, the designed PI/PD controllers are implemented in real-time on a DSP processor. The simulation and real-time hardware studies confirm that the designed PI/PD controllers result in a damped stable closed-loop response.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.52 no.9
• /
• pp.2017-2024
• /
• 2020

In this study, a fractional order proportional integral derivative (FOPID) controller is designed to create the reference power trajectory and to conquer the uncertainties and external disturbances. A fractional nonlinear model was utilized to describe the nuclear reactor dynamic behaviour considering thermal-hydraulic effects. The controller parameters were tuned using optimization method in Matlab/Simulink. The FOPID controller was simulated using Matlab/Simulink and the controller performance was evaluated for Hard variation of the reference power and compared with that of integer order a proportional integral derivative (IOPID) controller by two models of fractional neutron point kinetic (FNPK) and classical neutron point kinetic (CNPK). Also, the FOPID controller robustness was appraised against the external disturbance and uncertainties. Simulation results showed that the FOPID controller has the faster response of the control attempt signal and the smaller tracking error with respect to the IOPID in tracking the reference power trajectory. In addition, the results demonstrated the ability of FOPID controller in disturbance rejection and exhibited the good robustness of controller against uncertainty.