Utilization of Simulated Annealing Algorithm in the ROP Detector Layout Optimisation

Abstract

The Regional Overpower Protection (ROP) systems protect CANDU® reactors against local overpower in the fuel that could reduce the safety margin to dryout. The overpower could originate from a localized power peaking within the core or a general increase in the core power level. In the CANDU-6 design, there are two ROP systems in the core, one for each of the two fast-acting shutdown systems. Each ROP system consists of a number of fast-responding self-powered flux detectors suitably distributed throughout the core within vertical and horizontal assemblies. Traditionally, the placement of these detectors was done using a method similar to the detector layout optimization (DLO) module of the ROVER-F code. A new approach is introduced in this paper to optimize the placement of the detectors using the simulated annealing stochastic optimization algorithm. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are examined. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the capability of the new approach.