Neutron Flux Estimation using Inertial Delay Observer for Advanced Heavy Water Reactor

In a nuclear reactor such as Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR), the core neutron flux distribution needs to be continuously monitored and displayed to the operator. This paper presents the design of an Inertial Delay Observer (IDO) for estimating neutron flux distribution and bounded reactivity input disturbances of AHWR. The AHWR model considered here has 17 outputs, 4 inputs and is characterized by 72 state variables. The stability of the observer is demonstrated by using a Lyapunov function. The efficacy of proposed IDO is verified through nonlinear simulation studies under different test scenarios.