Design and Simulation of an Automatic Control Rod Position Controller System Incorporating Temperature and Xenon Poisoning Feedback for BAEC TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor

Abstract

Control rod is main reactivity controlling element of a reactor. Power variation, core criticality and safe operation of the reactor depend largely on the accurate and proper movement of control rods. In BAEC TRIGA Mark II research reactor, power variation is done by manual movement of control rod by operator. This is a very difficult and time consuming process. In this work, we have proposed an automatic control rod movement system for power control in BAEC TRIGA Mark II research reactor. One group first order perturbation theory is used for calculating partially inserted control rod worth in this system. The developed system places control rods in proper position according to desired power level. Without continuous adjustment, the power level will change due to the reactivity feedback of temperature and fission product poisoning. Our system changes control rods’ position according to temperature feedback and reactivity feedback of xenon poisoning. The system has been tested using Proteus simulator for functionality and performance. Simulation results showed that the developed automatic control rod movement system has the potential to be used as a power controller system in BAEC TRIGA Mark II research reactor.