Core Power Control of a Pressurized Water Reactor Using Event Triggered PID Control

This paper introduces the implementation of an Event-Triggered (ET) Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-tuned Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller for regulating core power in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). It addresses load-following challenges in PWRs by ensuring precise and rapid tracking of demand power while optimizing resource usage. Traditional time-triggered PID controllers continuously compute control signals, resulting in high computational loads. In contrast, the ET based PID control law reduces resource consumption by minimizing unnecessary control updates while maintaining accurate power tracking. The controller activates only when specific events occur, significantly reducing computational effort and control signal communication. Additionally, by limiting redundant control actions, the system's controllers and actuators experience less wear and extended operational life. The PWR state-space model incorporates key parameters such as coolant temperature coefficients, control rod reactivity, and thermal power, enabling dynamic adjustments to control rod positions and speeds in response to power demands and system conditions. Simulation results confirm that the proposed ET based PSO-tuned PID controller effectively addresses the load-following issue in PWRs. The findings indicate enhanced performance, reduced computational burden, and stable reactor power within operational limits under various operating conditions.