OPTIMIZATION OF FUEL STORAGE IN SPENT FUEL POOL

This paper is the optimization of fuel assembly placement in the spent fuel pool according to the categorized rules. Only some specifically reactivity class assemblies could put together as the pattern. The allowable patterns, the number of the fuel assembly for each reactivity class and the number of RCCAs are from the nuclear power plant technique specification. Each assembly in the pool should obey the pattern rules and the user needs the optimal spent fuel pool configuration that could maximize the free space. In this study, the genetic algorithm and greedy algorithm are discussed, and both of two algorithms have the difficulties to the real engineering problem. A new approach that improves the greedy strategy at each step is proposed, make the greedy algorithm is more adapted to the engineering problem. Use the new approach to test Seabrook Unit 1 and Arkansas Unit 2 spent fuel pool at different cases, and show results by the visible figures. The output arrangements by the program shown that the results are satisfied the user requirements.