Robust Optimal Integral Sliding Mode Controller for Total Power Control of Large PHWRs

This paper presents the design of an optimal integral sliding mode controller (OISMC) to control the total power of a large pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR). Considering the dynamics of systems relevant to total power control loop of the large PHWR, the single input and single output model adopted in this paper is characterized by 21 state variables. The nonlinear model is linearized around steady-state full power operating point to obtain a linear model for which an OISMC is designed. Optimal controller which guarantees minimum control effort is combined with an ISMC to ensure the robustness of the system in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances. Stability of the proposed controller is proven by means of Lyapunov approach. From nonlinear simulation studies, performance of the proposed OISMC is found to be satisfactory.