Optimization of a microreactor core's dimensions using metaheuristic methods

Authors

  • Nicolas Santana IEAv, ITA
  • Alexandre Caldeira IEAv
  • Angelo Passaro
  • Lamartine Guimaraes

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2022.1903

Keywords:

Multigroup diffusion, Core optimization, Microreactor, LOF, Metaheuristics

Abstract

This article proposes the use of the multi-group diffusion equations with four groups to determine the dimensions of the microreactor of the TERRA project. With this intent, the values of the radius and height of the cylinder that represents the core, as well as its enrichment were optimized through a framework called LOF. This tool has several metaheuristics methods already implemented, which provides a considerable time gain. So any particular method implemented, or a combination of some of them, could be utilized without any concerns regarding implementation time. In addition to the application of the metaheuristic methods for the proposed optimization, there was also a concern about altering the search parameters used in each of the metaheuristics, which eventually caused an improvement in the results. With this method, the radius and height dimensions achieved were quite reasonable for a microreactor. As for the enrichment, the value of 19.75% was achieved, limited by the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

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Author Biography

Alexandre Caldeira, IEAv

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References

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VARIANSYAH, I.; BETZLER, B. R.; CHANDLER, D.; ILAS, G.; MARTIN, W. R. A metaheuristic optimization tool for high flux isotope reactor low-enriched uranium core design. Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN, USA. 2019.

DUDERSTADT, J. J.;HAMILTON, L. J. Nuclear Reactor Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, USA, 1976.

NASCIMENTO, J. A. et al. Conceptual design and neutronic evaluation of a fast micro-reactor for utilization in space and oceans, Unpublished manuscript, 2013, vol. 1, pp. 1–199.

TEMPLIN, L. J. Reactor Physics Constants, ANL-5800, vol. 21., New York, USA, 1963.

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Published

2022-10-29

How to Cite

Santana, N., Caldeira, A., Passaro, A. ., & Guimaraes , L. . (2022). Optimization of a microreactor core’s dimensions using metaheuristic methods. Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences, 10(3A (Suppl.). https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2022.1903

Issue

Section

INAC 2021_XXII ENFIR_VII_ENIN