arXiv:2601.20079cs.LGphysics.comp-ph2026-01

优化微型核反应堆设计,同时降低发电成本与安全风险。

Techno-economic optimization of a heat-pipe microreactor, part II: multi-objective optimization analysis

  • 用强化学习算法平衡发电成本与安全指标
  • 缩小石墨半径并提高燃料高度可降低峰值因子
  • 适合核能工程与小型堆系统设计者参考

热管微反应堆(HPMR)是紧凑且可移动的核能系统,具备固有安全性,适用于偏远地区。前期工作建立了基于代理模型与强化学习的优化框架,仅以降低平准化电力成本(LCOE)为目标。本研究将其扩展为多目标优化,采用PEARL算法,同时最小化棒内峰值因子(F_Δh)和LCOE,满足安全与运行约束。评估三种成本情景:(1)高成本轴向与鼓形反射层,(2)低成本轴向反射层,(3)低成本轴向与鼓形反射层。结果表明,减小固体慢化剂半径、燃料棒间距及鼓形涂层角度,并增加燃料高度,可有效降低F_Δh。在所有情景中,四个关键策略一致有效:(1)当轴向反射层昂贵时最小化其贡献;(2)减少控制鼓依赖;(3)用价格等同石墨的轴向反射材料替代昂贵的TRISO燃料;(4)最大化燃料燃耗。虽然PEARL在多目标权衡中表现良好,但代理模型预测与全阶模拟仍存在偏差,后续将通过约束松弛与代理模型改进持续优化。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

Heat-pipe microreactors (HPMRs) are compact and transportable nuclear power systems exhibiting inherent safety, well-suited for deployment in remote regions where access is limited and reliance on costly fossil fuels is prevalent. In prior work, we developed a design optimization framework that incorporates techno-economic considerations through surrogate modeling and reinforcement learning (RL)-based optimization, focusing solely on minimizing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by using a bottom-up cost estimation approach. In this study, we extend that framework to a multi-objective optimization that uses the Pareto Envelope Augmented with Reinforcement Learning (PEARL) algorithm. The objectives include minimizing both the rod-integrated peaking factor ($F_{Δh}$) and LCOE -- subject to safety and operational constraints. We evaluate three cost scenarios: (1) a high-cost axial and drum reflectors, (2) a low-cost axial reflector, and (3) low-cost axial and drum reflectors. Our findings indicate that reducing the solid moderator radius, pin pitch, and drum coating angle -- all while increasing the fuel height -- effectively lowers $F_{Δh}$. Across all three scenarios, four key strategies consistently emerged for optimizing LCOE: (1) minimizing the axial reflector contribution when costly, (2) reducing control drum reliance, (3) substituting expensive tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel with axial reflector material priced at the level of graphite, and (4) maximizing fuel burnup. While PEARL demonstrates promise in navigating trade-offs across diverse design scenarios, discrepancies between surrogate model predictions and full-order simulations remain. Further improvements are anticipated through constraint relaxation and surrogate development, constituting an ongoing area of investigation.

核反应堆多目标优化强化学习能源系统

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