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The Energy sourceNuclear Power Plant

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What is Nuclear Energy?Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus of

an atom. . At the core of each atom there are two types of

particles (neutrons and protons) that are held together.

Nuclear energy is the energy that holds neutrons and protons.

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Nuclear Fusion and Fission Nuclear Fusion

Small nuclei into large Immense temperature and

pressure Core of stars

Nuclear Fission Large nuclei into small Critical mass to sustain Two isotopes we use

235U 239Pu

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THE SOURCE: FISSION Fission is the splitting of a nucleus into two or more

separate nuclei of comparable mass One neutron interacts with one “fissionable” nucleus

(Uranium for example) Results are:

Fission Products – Two heavy nuclides One heavier than the other (Average ratio of ~ 2 : 3 )

Neutrons – 2.43 on average emitted / fission Important that more neutrons are produced than are used

to cause one fission

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THE SOURCE: FISSION

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Uranium Uranium is a very heavy metal which can be used as

an abundant source of concentrated energy. Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth

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Uranium MiningThere are three main methods:

Underground mining

Open pit mining

In Situ Leaching (ISL)

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In Situ Leaching Wells are drilled into aquifers, the water is removed, and a

solvent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is pumped in

The peroxide dissolves the uranium, and the solution is pumped back up

An ion exchange system causes the uranium to precipitate in the form of UO42H2O (uranium peroxide)

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In Situ Leaching

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ISL has its woes Ground water supply has radioactive residues (mostly radon)

There are ISL mines in Texas, Wyoming, and Nebraska that share the same aquifers as residents

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From Where Does It Come? Australia has 30% of the world’s uranium below its topsoil,

and it is all for export Canada (mostly

Saskatchewan) is the next largest source

The True North, strong and free, has 20% of the world’s supply

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Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Power plants use heat to produce electricity. Nuclear

energy produces electricity from heat through a process called fission. Nuclear power plants use the heat produced by fission of certain atoms.

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NUCLEAR POWER PLANTSARE THE PRODUCT OF:

Nuclear EngineersMechanical EngineersElectrical EngineersCivil EngineersHuman Factors ExpertsComputer Engineers/ScientistsEtc.

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How it work?There are two types

Boiling Water ReactorPressurized-Water Reactor

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Pressurized-Water Reactor

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Boiling Water Reactor

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Working Process ConclusionFission occurs in the reactor

vessel. Heat is produced.

The heat is used to heat water to create steam

The steam is used to turn the turbine in the generator to

produce electricity

The steam is cooled in the condenser to return to the liquid

phase

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Safety Public remains wary of nuclear power due to Chernobyl and

three mile island accidents

Nuclear plants vulnerable to terrorist attacks

Safer, more efficient, and more secure plants planned for the future

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WASTE DISPOSAL A concern to many people

Used (spent) nuclear fuel consists of ceramic pellets encased in metal tubes

Current solution: On-site storage at NPPs

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DRY STORAGE IN CASKS ON SITE

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WASTE STORAGE At this time, radioactive wastes are being stored at the

Department of Energy’s facilities around the country

High level wastes are stored in underground carbon or stainless steel tanks

Spent nuclear fuel is put in above-ground dry storage facilities and in water-filled pools

Yucca Mountain: one site for high-level radioactive waste makes it easy to monitor, regulate, and secure

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Yucca Mountain Storage sites becoming full,

waste may be transported to Yucca Mountain

Located on government land, about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas in the Nevada desert

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Problems with Yucca Mountain The nuclear waste currently sitting around is enough to fill

the repository Danger to the public with the transportation of the waste to

yucca mountain Possible health risks to those living near Yucca Mountain

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At right is a map of the Yucca Mountain site

The area within the dotted line is the burial site

Two faults run directly through the site

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Top 10 Nuclear Generating Countries, 2016

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Advantages of Nuclear Power Clean Plentiful Supply High energy content in uranium

Small fuel pellet Can provide base load power Energy savings in transportation

Operating cost is low after construction

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Drawbacks to Using Nuclear Power Initial construction costs Radioactive waste byproduct Storage Natural disasters Public perception

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Uses of Energy Sources

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References www.need.org https://

whatisnuclear.com/articles/nucenergy.html

http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2011/05/17/nuclear-reactor-wall-chart-electronic-library/

Brookheaven national Lab Etc…