See how our eigenvalue.ai predictions can save you millions in reload costs
eigenvalue.ai – A prediction platform for eigenvalue in BWRs
eigenvalue.ai is a state-of-the-art SaaS tool that yields real-world, high-value results via Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This prediction platform for eigenvalue in BWRs enables powerful predictive capability of one of the most fundamental parameters in nuclear engineering, reduces reload fuel costs, and ensures fuel cycle energy requirements are met.
NEW METHODOLOGY
Blue Wave is pioneering eigenvalue prediction capability with the creation of eigenvalue.ai to address these deficiencies to meet the demands of current and future core designs. Our proprietary approach uses artificial intelligence (AI) coupled with machine learning (ML) to leverage historical fuel cycle data, outputs from core simulators, and past eigenvalue behavior.
REAL WORLD
The hot reactivity parameter of the core (known as K-effective or simply, the eigenvalue) is one of the most fundamental parameters in nuclear engineering and has been notoriously difficult to predict accurately in boiling water reactors (BWRs). Its trend directly impacts the energy capability of the reload core, and an inaccurate eigenvalue projection can be costly. If the actual eigenvalue is higher than predicted at rated power, then the designed core’s reactivity is less than expected, thus leading to less generation output than desired. Whereas if the actual eigenvalue is lower than predicted at rated power, then the designed core’s reactivity is greater than necessary, and more fuel was purchased and loaded than required.
Conventionally, eigenvalue predictions rely on estimates made by core designers looking at past eigenvalue behavior and the characteristics of the reload core being designed. This approach has its limitations, especially when new fuel or core designs are introduced, and on average has been sufficient to achieve a deviation Δ ∼ ±200pcm (pcm = 10-5) between the design and online eigenvalue. The possibility exists to reduce this deviation more than 4-fold, thereby leading, potentially, to millions in annual savings.
HIGH-VALUE RESULTS
The predictive capability of eigenvalue.ai is illustrated below for a recently completely 24-month BWR fuel cycle. The eigenvalue model performance demonstrates greater than a 4-fold reduction in prediction uncertainty when compared against the current state of practice (conventional design targets), with an average error less than ±50pcm. Moreover, this level of performance is extensible across the BWR fleet, with recent advancements in model architecture demonstrating remarkable resilience when new fuel types and product lines are introduced into the core. Comparable levels of accuracy have been obtained at multiple other BWRs that have adopted this enabling technology.
FEATURES
eigenvalue.ai is a robust state-of-the-art SaaS application for the nuclear power industry that provides unparalleled accuracy for eigenvalue forecasting in both reload core design and cycle management engineering applications. Additional features include the abilities to:
– Upload cycle depletions in multiple formats for prediction reports and scenario planning
– Generate, delete, download, and email eigenvalue projection reports in multiple formats
– Graph and view historical cycle data for trending and comparisons Filter and sort data tables quickly and seamlessly
– Create ‘Design’ or ‘Operating’ scenarios to minimize reload fuel costs during design or manage energy output during operation
– Store and archive historical cycle data, design files, and projection reports.
Predict fundamental parameters, reduce reload fuel costs, and monitor fuel cycle energy requirements with eigenvalue.ai.
The above diagram depicts the delta for design targets and for actual eigenvalue readings, as well as our daily model predictions. This difference has an adverse financial impact, that results in inefficiency and wasted revenue.
DATA
A number of techniques have been employed to enhance the datasets, including data augmentation for maintaining expected distributions, interpolation of training targets, and transfer learning to take maximum advantage of information from multiple sites. These techniques have made it possible to extend the development of highly accurate models to reactors possessing less data than would otherwise be required. Typical situations require approximately three fuel cycles worth of data for a given reactor unit.
REQUIREMENTS FOR eigenvalue.ai
Eigenvalue.ai is accessed via a web browser and is available for all standard computing platforms with a high-speed Internet connection, running most modern 32- and 64-bit operating systems and mobile operating systems: Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and UNIX architectures are all acceptable environments for eigenvalue.
ENERGIZE RELOAD DESIGN
Energize reload design with the BWnuclear.ai software suite. These AI-based predictive algorithms integrate seamlessly, whether it be for reload core design or cycle management applications.
Our eigenvalue predictions are crucial to core efficiency
The Problem:
Eigenvalue’s predictability from one cycle to another has been an issue with BWRs.
Inaccurate eigenvalue projections result in lost power generation revenue and/or increased fuel costs.
If not accurately predicted, the result is:
Not loading enough fresh fuel (Generation Impact)
Or loading more fresh fuel than necessary (Direct Cost Impact)
