Model Order Reduction of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor: An Overview

Model Order Reduction (MOR) is a technique used to simplify the mathematical representation of complex systems, such as Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), in order to make them more computationally efficient and easier to analyze. This is done by identifying and eliminating the redundant or insignificant variables in the system, resulting in a reduced order model (ROM) that captures the essential dynamics of the original system. In the context of PHWRs, MOR can be used to reduce the large number of equations and variables that describe the reactor's behavior, making it possible to perform detailed simulations and analyses that would otherwise be infeasible. MOR can be applied to different levels of the PHWR model, such as the core, the primary circuit, or the whole plant. The choice of the MOR method depends on the particular aspect of the PHWR that needs to be studied. The most common MOR methods are the balanced truncation, proper orthogonal decomposition and the reduced basis method. MOR can be used to improve the efficiency of the design and control of PHWRs, as well as to provide a better understanding of the underlying physical processes and to enhance the safety and reliability of the reactor.