Digital system project for graphic simulation of operational parameters of the IPR-R1 Triga nuclear research reactor

The instrumentation of nuclear reactors is designed based on the reliability, redundancy and diversification of control systems. The monitoring of the parameters is critically important to the operational efficiency and safety of the installation. Since the first criticality of a nuclear reactor, achieved by Enrico Fermi in 1942, there has been concern regarding the reliability of monitoring of the parameters involved in chain reactions. This paper presents the current stage of simulation systems that are under development at the nuclear technology development center (CDTN), intending to simulate the operation of the IPR-R1 Triga nuclear reactor, involving the evolution of neutron flux and reactor power-related events. The system will be developed using LabVIEW® software, using the modern concept of virtual instruments (VIs) that are visualized on a video monitor. For the implementation of this model, computational tools and systems analysis are necessary, facilitating the implementation of the simulator. This article demonstrated some of these techniques and the initial design of the model to be implemented. The design of a computational system is critically important, because it guides the implementation stages and generates the documentation for later maintenance and updating of the computational systems. It is noteworthy that the innovations developed in research reactors are normally used in power reactors. The relatively low costs enable research reactors to serve as excellent laboratories for developing techniques for future reactors.