A fuzzy modeling approach to the identification of transients in nuclear components

In this paper, a fuzzy-logic modeling approach is adopted for the identification of the causes of transients in a component of a nuclear power plant. The if-then rules, representing the underlying processes are inferred from the available input-output signal data. The method is applied to the early classification of the causes of transients in a steam generator of a pressurized water reactor (PWR). Based on the measured signals, the forcing function responsible for the transient is readily classified and its amplitude is estimated. The case of two concurrent causes of transients is also considered. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.