A Computerized Process Control System for the ORR-PSF (Oak Ridge Reactor Pool Side Facility) Irradiation Experiment. Part 2: Mathematical Basis and Computer Implementation of the Temperature Control Algorithm

摘要

A brief description of the Oak Ridge Reactor Pool Side Facility (ORR-PSF) and of the associated control system is given. The ORR-PSF capsule temperatures are controlled by a digital computer which regulates the percent power delivered to electrical heaters. The total electrical power which can be input to a particular heater is determined by the setting of an associated variac. This report concentrates on the description of the ORR-PSF irradiation experiment computer control algorithm. The algorithm is an implementation of discrete-time, state variable, optimal control approach. The Riccati equation is solved for a discretized system model to determine the control law. Experiments performed to obtain system model parameters are described. Results of performance evaluation experiments are also presented. The control algorithm maintains both capsule temperatures within a 288C plus or minus 10C band as required. The pressure vessel capsule temperatures are effectively maintained within a 288C plus or minus 5C band.