Study of the precision of the MTC estimate by noise analysis

Griet Monteyne, Peter Baeten, Johan Schoukens

    Research outputpeer-review

    1 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    This paper will discuss the precision of the Moderator Temperature Coefficient (MTC) estimate by noise analysis. Until now all attention went to the discussion of the bias of the MTC estimate that is due to the use of a small number of temperature sensors. However the discussion of the precision of the estimate was neglected. We will study the relation between the relative precision, the measurement time and the coherence. Based on this relation rules of thumb will be given in order to estimate the required measurement time for a specified precision and a given measurement setup. We will explain how a low coherence results in a large standard deviation. Next it will be shown that the standard deviation can be decreased by increasing the measurement time. The theoretical analysis will be verified by simulations in MATLAB and measurements at a Nuclear Power Plant in Belgium. From the measurements it will be seen that in practice we expect a coherence of 0.1 at a frequency lower than 0.1Hz. This results in a measurement time of more than 9 days if we want to achieve a standard deviation of 1%. A standard deviation of 5% can be achieved with a measurement time larger than 11h. This indicates that low coherences can result in unrealistic measurement times during which the reactor has to stay stationary.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
    PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
    Pages617-625
    Number of pages9
    Volume1
    ISBN (Print)9781617822667
    StatePublished - 2010
    Event2010 - 7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010 - Las Vegas, NV
    Duration: 7 Nov 201011 Nov 2010

    Publication series

    Name7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
    Volume1

    Conference

    Conference2010 - 7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityLas Vegas, NV
    Period2010-11-072010-11-11

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Human-Computer Interaction
    • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
    • Control and Systems Engineering

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