Patent Number: 047175281
Section: abstract

A control system for a nuclear reactor is disclosed. A control rod strategy computer provides for dynamic control of core power distribution in both radial and axial directions and forms the basis for a partial trip capability. Several microprocessor-based computation centers are combined together in a data-sharing network which processors determine local power density, determine the instantaneous differential and integral reactivity worth of each group of control rods, determine and effectuate partial trip for immediate power reduction, determine and provide for uniform core burnup, and effectuate core reactivity changes by directing the movement of groups of four control rods from zero to one hundred percent of travel while minimizing power distribution factors throughout the core. The power control circuitry to move the groups of control rods are bus arranged such that the power circuitry is shared among the groups of control rods. In this manner, the power to the control rod drive mechanisms is controlled and bus arranged for distribution to these drive mechanisms. This arrangement allows separate housings or cabinets for each holding circuit for each group of control rods and one housing or cabinet for the moving circuit for all of the groups of control rods.