Comparative analysis of fuzzy and LQR for water level control of U-tube steam generator

The steam generator water level is an important process parameter in nuclear power stations. It is essential to provide continuous heat sink to reactor through primary heat transport system and to ensure reactor safety. While on power or during reactor shutdown, the level control system removes the decay heat from the reactor core via boiler. At low reactor power the level control is very much difficult due to unreliable flow measurement and non-minimum phase characteristics. In order to overcome shortcomings of the PID controller, a fuzzy controller has been proposed by using the experiences of plant operators. In this work, a novel concept of Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) control is proposed to achieve efficient control. A simulation model for steam generator in nuclear power plant as an example has been given to verify the effectiveness of fuzzy and LQR controller.