Integrating 3DVAR and ANN for inversion optimization of physical models of fuel-assembly bowing

This study introduces a novel inversion optimization method for the core physical model of fuel-assembly bowing, integrating measurement data based on three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) data assimilation and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. Recognizing the deviation between theoretical physical models and actual core conditions due to factors like uneven coolant distribution and fuel-assembly bowing, this work aims to enhance model reliability and simulation accuracy. By generating a dataset through random perturbation and employing ANN for training, the method establishes a relationship between the core physical model and model-simulated values corresponding to measurement data. The construction of the cost function, essential for optimizing the inversion process, is executed using 3DVAR. To verify its validity, the method is implemented, and an inversion optimization process is developed using our self-developed Bamboo-C code system. The optimization process, validated through application in a commercial pressurized water reactor (PWR) in a nuclear power plant (NPP) in China, demonstrates a significant reduction in the relative errors of power distribution, thus affirming the method's efficacy in achieving a more realistic model of fuel-assembly bowing. The integration of measurement data into the optimization process addresses the critical need for accurate core physical models in nuclear engineering, offering a promising avenue for enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactor operations.