Robust Disturbance Observer-Based Feedback Linearization Control for a Research Reactor Considering a Power Change Rate Constraint

This paper presents a robust disturbance observer-based feedback linearization control method using a fuzzy-based power change rate limiting method for a research reactor. The proposed controller has been designed for a nonlinear model of the reactor. Compared to the conventional control methods, the proposed scheme shows better control performance as it provides effective compensation for the steady-state error, due to a specific type of unmodeled dynamics. To cope with system uncertainties such as parameter uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, and even external disturbance, we propose a robust disturbance observer-based feedback linearization controller. Moreover, the fuzzy-based power change rate limiting method is proposed, which is practically required for safe operation to limit the power change rate within a pre-designed safety range. In addition, a motor control input is considered and obtained by using the inverse model for the power control system. We show by numerical simulation that the proposed control law guarantees asymptotic stability as well as improved performance even in the presence of disturbance.