Research reactor loading pattern optimization using estimation of distribution algorithms
Shan Jiang, J. N. Carter, Christopher C. Pain, M.D. Eaton, A.J.H. Goddard, Simon J. Franklin, Heather J. Phillips · OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) · 2006
A new evolutionary search based approach for solving the nuclear reactor loading pattern optimization problems is presented based on the Estimation of Distribution Algorithms. The optimization technique developed is then applied to the maximization of the effective multiplication factor (K{sub eff}) of the Imperial College CONSORT research reactor (the last remaining civilian research reactor in the United Kingdom). A new elitism-guided searching strategy has been developed and applied to improve the local convergence together with some problem-dependent information based on the 'stand-alone K{sub eff} with fuel coupling calculations. A comparison study between the EDAs and a Genetic Algorithm with Heuristic Tie Breaking Crossover operator has shown that the new algorithm is efficient and robust. (authors)