Method for performing star/arwv reconciliation

A method for transitioning a nuclear reactor to a power generating state, the method comprising:

• setting the nuclear reactor to a zero power state;
• eliminating lower power physics tests (LPPTs) for a current cycle of the nuclear reactor based on a predetermined set of criteria, wherein the current LPPTs are required to transition the nuclear reactor to the power generating state from the zero power state, and wherein the eliminating comprises:
• predicting, using a first design code, a first set of values for factors of the LPPTs, wherein the factors comprise at least one of moderator temperature coefficient, total rod worth, and total regulating bank worth;
• developing, using data from past cycles of the nuclear reactor, empirical formulas for the factors of the LPPTs;
• predicting, using the empirical formulas, a second set of values for the factors of the LPPTs;
• and
• calculating a difference between the first values of the current cycle to first reference values from a reference cycle of the nuclear reactor;
• and
• calculating a difference between the second values of the current cycle to second reference values from the reference cycle of the nuclear reactor;
• and
• transitioning the nuclear reactor to the power generating state without performing the LPPTs, based on the calculations.