Scribd
Upload
14 views5 pages

Nuclear Energy Technology

Nuclear energy technology harnesses nuclear reactions, primarily fission, to generate electricity and plays a vital role in low-carbon energy solutions. While current systems focus on fission, future developments aim for fusion, which promises cleaner energy. The technology faces challenges including safety concerns, radioactive waste management, and public perception, necessitating strong regulations and trust.

Uploaded by

adebayofashina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views5 pages

Nuclear Energy Technology

Nuclear energy technology harnesses nuclear reactions, primarily fission, to generate electricity and plays a vital role in low-carbon energy solutions. While current systems focus on fission, future developments aim for fusion, which promises cleaner energy. The technology faces challenges including safety concerns, radioactive waste management, and public perception, necessitating strong regulations and trust.

Uploaded by

adebayofashina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Lecture Note: Nuclear Energy Technology

1. Introduction

1.1 What is Nuclear Energy Technology?

Nuclear energy technology refers to the science and engineering of harnessing nuclear
reactions—mainly fission (and potentially fusion)—to generate usable energy, such as
electricity or propulsion.

1.2 Importance

 A major source of low-carbon electricity.

 High energy density.

 Plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and energy security.

2. Basics of Nuclear Energy

2.1 Energy from the Nucleus

 Based on Einstein’s equation:

E=mc2E = mc^2E=mc2

A small amount of mass is converted to a large amount of energy in nuclear reactions.

2.2 Types of Nuclear Reactions Used

 Fission: Used in current nuclear power plants.

 Fusion: Under research for future clean energy.

3. Nuclear Fuel and Materials

3.1 Common Nuclear Fuels

Fuel Type Isotope Used

Natural Uranium Mostly 238^{238}238U, <1% 235^{235}235U

Enriched Uranium 3–5% 235^{235}235U (for reactors)


Fuel Type Isotope Used

MOX Fuel Mixed oxide of plutonium and uranium

Thorium (future) 232^{232}232Th converted to 233^{233}233U

3.2 Fuel Fabrication

 Mining → Milling → Conversion → Enrichment → Fuel rod fabrication.

4. Nuclear Reactors

4.1 Main Components

 Fuel rods: Contain uranium or other fissionable materials.

 Moderator: Slows neutrons (e.g., water, graphite).

 Control rods: Absorb neutrons to regulate reaction.

 Coolant: Transfers heat (water, gas, liquid metal).

 Containment structure: Prevents radiation release.

4.2 Reactor Types

Type Description

Pressurized Water Reactor Most common. Uses water under pressure as coolant and
(PWR) moderator.

Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Water boils inside the reactor; steam directly powers turbine.

CANDU (Canada) Uses heavy water and natural uranium.

Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Generates more fuel than it consumes.

Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Experimental; fuel dissolved in molten salt.

5. Nuclear Power Generation Process

1. Nuclear fission in fuel rods releases heat.

2. Coolant carries heat to a heat exchanger.

3. Water turns into steam.


4. Steam drives a turbine.

5. Turbine powers an electric generator.

6. Steam is condensed and returned to the system.

6. Advantages of Nuclear Energy

 High energy output per unit fuel.

 Low greenhouse gas emissions.

 Base-load power (runs continuously).

 Reduces fossil fuel dependence.

7. Challenges and Risks

7.1 Safety Concerns

 Meltdowns (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima).

 Radiation leaks.

 Requires strict regulation and safety protocols.

7.2 Radioactive Waste

 High-level waste (spent fuel): long half-lives.

 Must be stored safely (e.g., deep geological repositories).

7.3 Nuclear Proliferation

 Enriched uranium and plutonium can be weaponized.

7.4 Public Perception

 Concerns about safety and disasters.

 Political and social opposition in some countries.

8. Nuclear Fusion Technology (Emerging)

 Combines light nuclei (e.g., hydrogen isotopes).


 Research facilities: ITER (France), JET (UK), NIF (USA).

 Safer and cleaner but technologically challenging.

 Still under development.

9. Environmental Impact

Positive Impacts Negative Impacts

Low carbon footprint Radioactive waste

High energy efficiency Risk of accidents

Less air pollution Water use and thermal pollution

10. Global Use of Nuclear Energy

Top Producers (as of 2024):

 United States

 France

 China

 Russia

 South Korea

Emerging Users:

 India, UAE, Turkey, Bangladesh

11. Future of Nuclear Energy

 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Safer, cheaper, flexible.

 Advanced Generation IV Reactors: More efficient and sustainable.

 Fusion Power: Long-term clean energy hope.

 Hybrid energy systems: Nuclear + renewable integration.


12. Summary

 Nuclear energy is a powerful, efficient, and low-emission energy source.

 Current technology is based on fission; fusion is the future goal.

 Requires strong safety, waste management, and public trust.

 Part of a diversified global strategy for sustainable energy.

13. References

 World Nuclear Association – www.world-nuclear.org

 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission – www.nrc.gov

 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – www.iaea.org

 Glasstone, S., & Sesonske, A. (1994). Nuclear Reactor Engineering. Springer.

 Krane, K. S. (1988). Introductory Nuclear Physics. Wiley.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy