Suboptimal level controller for steam generators in pressurized water reactors

The authors consider the design of a suboptimal water-level controller for steam generators in large pressurized water reactors using linear output feedback control. A methodology for feasibility analysis and linear output feedback control design is developed through eigenvalue dynamics. The proposed controller is a linear, constant, partial state feedback law. The controlled system has the following desirable features: (a) the controller is independent of disturbance, (b) the water level returns to its prespecified level value following a step disturbance, (c) the controlled system is asymptotically stable, and (d) transient response is similar to the transient response of an optimal complete state feedback controller. An example illustrates the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed techniques