Abstract
An integrative two-stage optimizaition method based on genetic algorithms (GA) using an if-then heuristic rule was developed to generate optimized boiling water reactor (BWR) loading patterns (LP), In the first stage, the LP is optimized using an improved GA operator. In the second stage, an exposure-dependent control rod pattern (CRP) is sought using GA with an if-then heuristic rule. This algorithm provides both good convergence performance and global searching ability. Therefore this optimization system realized the practical application for the real BWR LR design which does not need a reference LP and CRP. Through Calculation in an actual plant, it was confirmed that the optimization could be realized within a reasonable computation time. By automation and improvements in efficiency, the aim of automating a series of reload core design tasks of the BWR was accomplished. A considerable reduction of the work in the reload core design task can be expected.
