Power density axial oscillations induced by xenon dynamics: Parameter identification via genetic algorithms

In this paper we describe the axial flux oscillations in PWRs by means of the Onega and Kisner model (1978), a two-point xenon oscillation model based on the one-group, one-dimensional neutron diffusion equation with nonlinear power reactivity feedback and on the nonlinear xenon and iodine balance equations. We, investigate the feasibility of using genetic algorithms for estimating the effective nuclear parameters, involved. This approach has the advantage of allowing the periodic re-estimation of the effective parameter values pertaining to each reactor on the basis of its recent history. By so doing, other effects, such as the burn up, are automatically taken into account. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.