Energy Research Institute Research Articles

Irradiation protocol for cultural heritage conservation treatment

Ionizing radiation supplied by cobalt-60 is an excellent alternative tool to the traditional process of decontamination of cultural and historical materials, mainly because of its biocidal action. Analyzing the occurrence of requests for treatment materials from cultural institutions with ionizing radiation for fungal decontamination in the Multipurpose Gamma Irradiation Facility of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute - CTR/IPEN, there was a need to establish a protocol for the care of institutions and individuals carrying cultural and historical collections. The study proposal was the establishment an efficient and reproducible model of an irradiation protocol for the treatment of cultural heritage materials in industrial irradiators, respecting the ethical principles of conservation and restoration activities. The objective of the protocol is to be a practical guide, from the detection of the problem to the final cleaning, so that conservator-restorers and professionals of the irradiation can act in a collaborative and objective way to reach the objective of the treatment.

Estimated Pollutant Load from Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN-SP, BRAZIL)

To quantify the pollutant load received by a water body is one necessary step to keep its original standards, irrespective to the releasing source. Thus, to monitor and control the amount of pollutants released in a water body assures the water will remain free from excessive pollution. Also, that no harm to human health and the environment will occur. Hence, this paper aims to estimate the pollutant load of sanitary wastewater released by the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN / CNEN-SP) in 2015 and 2016. The analysis of Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ba, Ni, Mn, Fe, B and Sn was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). These metals and the total fixed solids were used to estimate the pollutant load. Wastewater flow measurement was carried out using bromide (Br -) as tracer and with the values from IPEN`s annual water consumption. Since 2006, this is performed as part of the Environmental Monitoring Program (PMA-Q). In compliance with the current Brazilian Environmental Legislation and with the Term of Conduct Adjustment requirements, agreed with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). Even the pollutants load has increased in 2015 and 2016, the monitoring frequency and water consumption has diminished in the last years. These facts increase the uncertainties in the monitoring and could lead to non-compliances with the monitoring laws.

Knowledge Management in the Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities in Brazil

In the second half of the twentieth century in Brazil, several nuclear facilities were built for the most varied objectives. The largest number of such facilities is at the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute in São Paulo (IPEN-CNEN/SP). For different reasons, some of these facilities had their projects finalized and were deactivated. Some of the equipment was then dismantled, but the respective nuclear and radioactive material remained isolated in the original sites awaiting the proper decommissioning procedures. The Celeste Project is an example of a facility where the nuclear material has been kept, and is subject to Argentine-Brazilian Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC) periodic inspections. Because of a number of interests, including financial and/or budgeting situations at the institutions, decades have passed without any further action, and the people who withold information and knowledge about these facilities have already moved away from the area or are in the process of. Therefore, because of the absence of knowledge management techniques in force at the time of establishing and operating these installations, this work proposes an analysis about the possible consequences in case of loss of perhaps the only one remaining knowledge, the one from the people who designed those departments and worked there.

Gamma spectrometry of iodine-125 produced in IEA-R1 nuclear reactor, using HPGe detector and fixation into epoxy matrix disc

Few places in the world produce iodine-125. In Brazil, the first production was achieved by using the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor located at Nuclear and Energy Research Institute – IPEN. To verify the quality of iodine-125 produced, and the amount of contaminants such as iodine-126, cesium-134 and caesium-137 among others, iodine-125 samples were immobilized into epoxy matrix disc, with the same geometry of a barium-133 reference radioactive source, used to calibrate an HPGe detector. The HPGe detector has a thin carbon composite window, which allows measure the iodine-125 photopeaks, between 27.1 and 35.4 keV. The method employed here was successful in producing and measurement of iodine-125.

Wind Resources Assessment and Development of Grid Connected Wind Farm—A Case Study

In the present study, the case study of micro-siting for the campus of the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) is conducted. Results from the effect of weather data suggest that for the wind turbine system higher than 20 m, the effect of nearby building and wake on electricity production would be less important. The effect of different weather data on the generated annual electricity production (AEP) is consistent for the wind turbine higher than 20 m. The difference between the calculated and real AEP of INER-150 kW wind turbine is only 1.1%, which is much better than some previous studies. The good agreement is mainly due to the higher height of the INER-150 kW (50 m), more stable coming wind and smaller impact of building on the performance of power production. Considering the proactivity on the installation for the site in INER campus, the finalized decision on the selection of wind turbine is 1 kW system. The power generation-related data are collected and processed for the fine tuning of model parameters in the future.

Effect of ionizing radiation on traditional and bacon “farofa”

Seasoned “farofa” is a typical Brazilian dish made with toasted cassava flour. It is known that ionizing radiation is widely employed to improve food products extending its shelf life. In this context, this work analyzes the effects of ionizing radiation on the rheological and physicochemical properties of bacon (BF) and traditional (TF) “farofa”. The samples were obtained from local markets (São Paulo/Brazil) and irradiated in the electron beam accelerator of Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN-SP, São Paulo, Brazil) in doses of 1, 5 and 10 kGy, and analyzed on the first, fifteenth and thirtieth storage day. The results showed that the irradiated TF and BF samples displayed acidic pH throughout the storage period, regardless of dose increase. The different irradiation doses did not significantly affect (Tukey test p > 0.05) the water activity, keeping the products in the safe range. The colorimetric analysis, also showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) among the samples and ionizing radiation doses, indicating that the yellowish coloration remained stable throughout the experiment. After the thirtieth day, the moisture of the TF and BF samples ranged from 7.06% to 9.75%. Irradiation had a significant impact on the viscosity profile and texture characteristics of the “farofa”, such as hardness, cohesiveness, and the springiness at 5 and 10 kGy.

Special Section: “Institute of Energy and Climate Research at Forschungszentrum Jülich”

Special Section: “Institute of Energy and Climate Research at Forschungszentrum Jülich”

РАЗВИТИЕ МИРОВОГО РЫНКА НЕФТИ В ПРОГНОЗАХ ВЕДУЩИХ НЕФТЯНЫХ КОМПАНИЙ И АНАЛИТИЧЕСКИХ ЦЕНТРОВ

The article analyzes the forecasts of the world oil market development for 2035 and 2040, made in 2019 by the oil companies LUKOIL and British Petroleum, as well as Energy Research Institute RAS/Skolkovo and the International Energy Agency, their main conclusions and scenario solutions obtained in the forecasts.

Determination of k0 and Q0 for 74Se, 113In, 186W and 191Ir targets applying covariance analysis

In the present work, the determinations of k0 and Q0 for 74Se, 113In, 186W and 191Ir targets were performed. The irradiations were conducted near the core of the IEA-R1 4.5 MW swimming-pool nuclear research reactor of the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP – Nuclear and Energy Research Institute), in São Paulo, Brazil. The irradiation position was chosen where the neutron spectrum shape parameter α is very close to zero. For this reason, the correction to be applied for the determination of Q0 is very close to one, thus improving the accuracy of the results. For each experiment, two irradiations were carried out in sequence: the first one with bare samples and the second with a cadmium cover around the samples. All partial uncertainties were considered, applying the covariance matrix methodology. The final results were compared with the literature.

Clean Energy for Cooling and Heating with Ground Source Heat Pumps

In the recent attempts to stimulate alternative energy sources for heating and cooling of buildings, emphasise has been put on utilisation of the ambient energy from ground source heat pump systems (GSHPs) and other renewable energy sources. Exploitation of renewable energy sources and particularly ground heat in buildings can significantly contribute towards reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The study was carried out at the Energy Research Institute (ERI), between September 2016 and November 2017. This paper highlights the potential energy saving that could be achieved through use of ground energy source. The main concept of this technology is that it uses the lower temperature of the ground (approximately <32°C), which remains relatively stable throughout the year, to provide space heating, cooling and domestic hot water inside the building area. The purpose of this study, however, is to examine the means of reducing of energy consumption in buildings, identifying GSHPs as an environmental friendly technology able to provide efficient utilisation of energy in the buildings sector, promoting the use of GSHPs applications as an optimum means of heating and cooling, and presenting typical applications and recent advances of the DX GSHPs. It is concluded that the direct expansion of GSHP are extendable to more comprehensive applications combined with the ground heat exchanger in foundation piles and the seasonal thermal energy storage from solar thermal collectors. This study highlights the energy problem and the possible saving that can be achieved through the use of the GSHP systems. This article discusses the principle of the ground source energy, varieties of GSHPs, and various developments.

Impact of Climate Changes on the Regional Energy Balances and Energy Exports from Russia

Based on the approaches developed by the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute (NRU MPEI) and the Energy Research Institute (ERI), the results of calculations of total world energy consumption and by groups of countries for the period up to 2050, with allowance for the anticipated climate changes, as well as resource and environmental restrictions, are presented. The estimates of energy consumption in various world regions for the period up to 2050 are based on a historical extrapolation approach to the research of energy consumption dynamics with allowance for the dependence of its optimal level on natural and geographical conditions. Using the SCANER simulation computer system developed by the Energy Research Institute for the study of energy markets, forecast fuel and energy balances for various regions have been made, which are aimed at meeting the national commitments on the Paris Agreement (2015) of the countries participating in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and international flows of the main energy carriers have been calculated. Estimates of the possible oil and gas export from Russia in the context of various scenarios for the development of the world energy sector have been made. It is shown that the fundamental processes currently taking place in the global energy complex, such as the development of new renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, the control and constraint on greenhouse gas emissions, and the uncertain status of nuclear energy, will contribute to an increase in demand for oil and, especially, natural gas from Russia and facilitate the rise in exports of these energy carriers, predominantly in the Asian direction.

Focus on carbon-neutral energy science and technology

This focus issue showcases a sample of current research accomplishments at the International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) and reviews some recent developments in the area o...

Influence of the vials radioactive residue in Nuclear Medicine procedure applied to a new “in situ” activimeter calibration methodology

In this study we present a new “in situ” calibration methodology establishment for activimeters – i.e., this equipment calibration can be made at the hospital and/or the nuclear medicine service (NMS) – and also the importance of considering vials radioactive residue when generating the calibration coefficient in terms of activity (NA). For the calibration, two methods are presented here: in the first, 99mTc sample activity (AC) is measured in the NMS. Then it is sent to the Instruments Calibration Laboratory (LCI/IPEN) where the reference activity (AR) is obtained under controlled conditions in a reference vial. After geometry and residue corrections, NA is calculated. In the second method, AR is obtained at the LCI, then 99mTc sample is sent to the hospital/NMS, where AC is measured and NA calculated. Calibration methodologies were applied to three NMS and to four equipment belonging to the radiopharmaceutical production facility (CR) at the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN). Both methodologies were tested with and without residual activity corrections under controlled conditions. Variations of up to 4% were obtained.

Vertical Ozone Concentration Profiles in the Arabian Gulf Region during Summer and Winter: Sensitivity of WRF-Chem to Planetary Boundary Layer Schemes

Air quality in the Middle East is changing due to extensive land conversion, intense industrialization and rapid urbanization. In this study, we analyze data from an ozonesonde station operated in Doha, Qatar, by the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI). Ozonesondes were launched weekly at 13:00 LT (10:00 UTC) during a summer month (August 2015) representative of extremely hot and humid atmospheric conditions and during a winter period (January–February 2016) representative of cool conditions in the area. Unlike similar studies in the region, this work focuses on the lower troposphere and combines high frequency vertical measurement data with the use of the Weather Research Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). A sensitivity study was conducted to identify the most representative planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization. Although all three parameterizations that were examined produced similar results, the Yonsei University (YSU) PBL scheme was found to be statistically superior. Comparisons of model predictions against observations show high correlation coefficients and encouragingly low biases in all meteorological variables. During wintertime, ozone is well predicted overall (fractional bias = –0.1). Results from the summertime comparison are more challenging and point towards possible biases in the anthropogenic emission inventory of the Middle East, especially for rapidly-changing urban environments.

Electrical power planning and analysis of a micro grid

This article presents the electrical power planning, tests and analysis for a micro-grid (MG) in the distribution system. The MG of the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research has been selected for study. To enhance the MG reliability, two power sources are used for connecting to the utility power grid. The two power sources are currently interlocked, one for the regular and the other for the standby. Firstly, the phase sequence tests of the two power sources were performed to avoid the failure and damage of the equipment during power transfer. After that, the control logic planning between the two power sources is done to maintain the power supply of the MG. Finally, the reliability analysis for the load in the MG is performed to examine the effectiveness of the two power sources configuration.

From science to technology: The value of knowledge from different energy research institutions

Expansion of public energy R&D budgets continues to be a key component of climate policy. Using an original data set of both scientific articles and patents pertaining to three alternative energy technologies (biofuels, solar and wind energy), this paper provides new evidence on the flows of knowledge between university, private sector, and government research. Better understanding of the value of knowledge from these institutions can help decision makers target R&D funds where they are most likely to be successful. I use citation data from both scientific articles and patents to answer two questions. First, what information is most useful to the development of new technology? Does high quality science lead to applied technology development? I find that this is the case, as those articles most highly cited by other scientific articles are also more likely to be cited by future patents. Second, which institutions produce the most valuable research? Are there differences across technologies? Research performed at government institutions appears to play an important translational role linking basic and applied research, as government articles are more likely to be cited by patents than any other institution, including universities. Universities play a less important role in wind research than for solar and biofuels, suggesting that wind energy research is at a more applied stage where commercialization and final product development is more important than basic research.

Toward Improved Solar Irradiance Forecasts: Comparison of the Global Horizontal Irradiances Derived from the COMS Satellite Imagery Over the Korean Peninsula

This study introduces the University of Arizona Solar Irradiance Based on Satellite/Korea Institute of Energy Research, which is usually called UASIBS/KIER model. Then the evaluation of modeling performance is done against the ground observations for the instantaneous, hourly, and daily time scales over the Korean Peninsula in this study. The relative root mean square error for the instantaneous time scale is 7.4 and 16.7% for the clear and cloudy skies, respectively. The hourly mean estimates are compared with the in situ measurements from 35 ground observation stations, resulting in a relative root mean square error ranging from 9.1 to 15.5%. The daily aggregates are proven as the most reliable estimates. The UASIBS/KIER estimates are also compared with the routine solar insolation product from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Finally, the solar energy resource map has been built by the daily solar irradiance derived from the UASIBS/KIER model, followed by its comparison with the other gridded datasets.

Effect of porosity on the manufacturing of U3O8-Al dispersion fuel plates

The pore volume present in the starting fuel meat of dispersion fuel plates influences the behavior of its deformation during the fuel plate fabrication by rolling to a great extent. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of pore content in the starting fuel meat on the manufacturing of aluminum-base dispersion fuel plates. Factors that affect the residual porosity present in the meat of the fuel plate were investigated. Results showed that the residual pore volume of aluminum-base dispersion-type U3O8-Al fuel plates depends on the characteristics of the starting fuel meat, which is fabricated by pressing. The residual pore volume depends on the U3O8 concentration. For a particular U3O8 concentration, the rolling process establishes a constant pore volume, which is called equilibrium porosity. The equilibrium porosity is insensitive to the initial pore volume present in the starting fuel meat. The research showed that fuel meat integrity was greatly influenced by the initial porosity of the fuel meat. U3O8-Al dispersion fuel plates were successfully fabricated with uranium loading above 3.0 gU/cm3. This uranium loading is equivalent to the one used in the U3Si2-Al dispersion fuel, currently operating at the IEA-R1 research reactor of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute – IPEN/CNEN-SP. The U3O8-Al dispersion fuel can substitute the silicide fuel with advantages such as lower price and simpler manufacturing process.

Evolution of fuel plate parameters during deformation in rolling

The Nuclear and Energy Research Institute – IPEN/CNEN-SP routinely produces the nuclear fuel necessary for operating its research reactor, IEA-R1. This fuel consists of fuel plates containing U3Si2-Al composites as the meat, which are fabricated by rolling. The rolling process currently deployed was developed based on information obtained from literature, which was used as a premise for defining the current manufacturing procedures, according to a methodology with an essentially empirical character. Despite the current rolling process being perfectly stable and highly reproducible, it is not well characterized and is therefore not fully known. The objective of this work is to characterize the rolling process for producing dispersion fuel plates. Results regarding the evolution of the main parameters of technological interest, after each rolling pass, are presented. Some defects that originated along the fuel plate deformation during the rolling process were characterized and discussed. The fabrication procedures for manufacturing the fuel plates are also presented.

Method to evaluate the L/D Ratio of Neutron Imaging Beams

An alternative simple method to evaluate the L/D ratio of neutron imaging beams is proposed. It is based on the behavior of the ratio “x/Ut”, which asymptotically tends to L/D for large values of the parameter “x”, that corresponds to the distance separating, a gadolinium test object to the scintillator plane, where its image is formed. The method was applied to the neutron imaging equipment of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute IPEN-CNEN/SP and the obtained result was L/D = (104 ± 4). The consistency of the proposed method was verified by comparing this value, with those ones obtained by a well - known and established procedure.