Software OPTIMAL is a fundamental tool for core reload optimization within the core design of VVER-440 reactors. The software have been developed specifically according to the needs of DUKOVANY NPP. Since its first version release in year 1994 it is being continuously developed and improved regarding the optimization algorithm itself and the user comfort.

The primary task of the core reload optimization software is minimization of the fuel cost while fulfilling all the operational (fuel cycle length, energy production) and safety (power peaking factors) restrictions.

The applied algorithm can be classified in the category of "evolutionary" methodologies, based on progressive modifications of initial reload designs in the direction of the user specified targets (fuel cycle length, power distribution). Within the process of optimization hundreds of thousands of different core reloads are processed using wide range of analytical methods differing in speed and precision. The process is controlled by the optimization function, which also may evolve in subsequent phases of the optimization process.

The evolutionary approach is combined by the methods known from expert systems. For example the initial core reload patterns might be designed based on the results of previous optimizations, which can significantly reduce the needed computer time.

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