Design of a Multiloop Pyroelectric Neutron Generator Control System

Abstract

Pyroelectric neutron generators are compact, low power systems which may be capable of producing short intense pulses of neutrons from D-D fusion reactions. Initial analysis of pyrofusion dynamics has indicated the potential to manipulate the pulse characteristics through system control. This thesis presents the development of novel pyroelectric neutron generator dynamics models in MATLAB/Simulink that can be used to support the predictability and control of the neutron pulse. Plant models have been developed using two control system modelling approaches: lumped-parameter and system identification modelling. Describing equations for the pyroelectric subsystem components are detailed and implemented using lumped-parameter modelling. Novel work towards the analysis of the pyroelectric subsystem responses, stability and performance using control system techniques is presented. Frequency-domain studies, stability analysis and time-domain simulations are reported. The dynamic characteristics of pyroelectric neutron generators have indicated that they could be effective neutron sources for nuclear reactor plants. The development of a prototype pyroelectric neutron source for the purpose of system identification is reported. Plans to progress the work are discussed, including validation against data collected through experiments at an actual zero-power reactor. The key research areas are: pyroelectric neutron generation; thermoelectric cooler modelling; control system modelling; and controller design.