Nuclear Energy Technology Research Articles

From funds to footprints: Unravelling the asymmetric association between nuclear energy technology and environmental quality

Innovation and investment in research and development (R&D) for renewable energy are critical in improving environmental quality and creating a more sustainable energy landscape. This research delves into the asymmetric correlation between nuclear energy technology budget and environmental quality in the top 10 economies with the largest nuclear energy R&D budgets (Germany, South Korea, Japan, the UK, France, Russia, China, USA, India, and Canada). Earlier investigations have used panel data methodologies that submit usual outcomes related to the link between these variables, although some countries did not show a similar relationship independently. Moreover, previous studies analyzed the overall impact, while our investigation focuses on examining the asymmetric impact on an individual country level. On the other hand, we apply the Quantile-on-Quantile tool to probe the time-series dependence in every country, bestowing worldwide yet country-specific evidence for the variables' interconnection. The findings suggest that budgets related to nuclear energy technology positively impact environmental quality by reducing ecological footprint in most economies, especially at the specific distribution of data points. In addition, this research highlights that the degree of asymmetry between the variables deviates across economies, heightening the importance of carefully implementing policies related to nuclear energy technology and environmental quality.

High-performance PEEK composite materials research on 3D printing for neutron and photon radiation shielding

With the rapid advancement of nuclear energy technology, addressing technical challenges in the field of radiation shielding, particularly achieving lightweight and efficient shielding against neutron and multiple radiation types, remains a formidable task. To address the aforementioned issues, this study investigates the 3D printing performance of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composite materials for shielding against both neutron and photon multibeam radiation. High-content 3D printing filament is developed, with simultaneous shielding capabilities against neutron and photon radiation. This research successfully accomplishes the high-density 3D printing of PEEK shielding composites with increased concentrations of boron carbide(B4C), tungsten(W), and both materials. The experimental results indicate that 3D printed specimens of B4C/W/PEEK, a neutron and photon shielding composite material, exhibit excellent mechanical properties. Importantly, the radiation shielding composite 3D function parts achieves effective shielding against muitibeam radiation and weight reduction compared to traditional radiation shielding materials.

Identification and time evolution of thionyl chloride (SOCl2) radiolysis products

Abstract Innovative solutions are needed to reduce the amount of high-level waste generated by used nuclear fuel recycling strategies to support the widespread adoption of sustainable nuclear fission energy technologies. To this end, a new sulfur chloride-based process has been developed to recycle zirconium alloy-based materials, which make up a significant fraction of high-level radioactive waste. To support the continued development of this process, we present new data on the potential reaction pathways over time of the products arising from the gamma and electron beam radiolysis of neat thionyl chloride (SOCl2). Interrogation of the gamma irradiated liquid by Raman spectroscopy provided more conclusive identification of the SOCl2 degradation products, specifically sulfur dichloride (SCl2), molecular chlorine (Cl2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and sulfuryl chloride (SO2Cl2). In comparison, the high dose rate (∼107 Gy s−1) electron beam irradiations formed significantly more degradation products. For both cobalt-60 gamma and electron beam irradiations, the observed degradation products were found to evolve as a function of time post-irradiation via the same reaction pathways, with indication of a solvent regeneration mechanism. These findings are fortuitous for process development, as such a mechanism would be beneficial for process longevity and cost effectiveness.

The effect of nuclear and fossil fuel energy R&D expenditures on environmental qualities in Canada

Minimizing environmental problems and a clean ecosystem are at the top of countries’ political agendas. Although Canada is an eco-friendly country, the rapid increase in its ecological footprint (EF) and the decreasing load capacity factor (LCF) in recent years make the analysis of Canada’s environmental determinants important. In this context, the study analyzes the effects of fossil fuel and nuclear-related research and development (R&D) expenditures on the EF and LCF under the load capacity curve (LCC) and environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) conditions for the period 1981–2022, employing the Bayer-Hanck cointegration test and the Fourier-ADL approach. The findings indicate that the EKC and LCC hypotheses are valid for Canada, that fossil fuel R&D reduces the LCF, and that nuclear energy R&D contributes to environmental development. Therefore, Canadian policymakers should promote nuclear energy technologies and use the financial resources provided by economic expansion for clean energy purposes.

Toward a sustainable environment within the framework of carbon neutrality scenarios: Evidence from the novel Fourier‐NARDL approach

AbstractSustainable energy policies are directly proportional to countries' achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Economies that want to achieve their 2030 and 2050 targets are looking for alternative energy sources until renewable energy sources mature. In this context, this study models the environmental quality of France, which is the leader in the use of nuclear energy in Europe, from a different perspective through nuclear energy technologies. This study empirically uses the novel Fourier asymmetric autoregressive distributed lag approach. It confirms that increases and decreases in nuclear technology have different effects on the load capacity factor within the framework of the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis. It also provides evidence for the existence of the LCC hypothesis and offers sustainable energy policies for France. The French government should allocate funds to cleaner energies instead of investing in nuclear energy technologies. Thus, the long‐term transition to a low‐carbon economy can be accelerated instead of short‐term targets. By eliminating nuclear energy, a severe burden on the French economy, infrastructure can be created for alternative energy sources. Finally, the French government can gain momentum in achieving SDGs 7 and 13 by withdrawing support from nuclear energy technologies.

Patenting for profitability: green energy innovations and firm performance in BRICS countries

Introduction:Despite the significant advancements in renewable energy technologies, the current energy system remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. However, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that the proliferation of “green” patents is contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable energy future, with important implications for both environmental sustainability and corporate financial performance.Methods:Utilizing panel data sourced from 63 of the most prominent energy sector companies within the BRICS countries during the period between 2011 and 2020, we conducted a comprehensive analysis with the objective of uncovering the distinct impacts of various types of patents in renewable energy technologies on the firm’s financial performance indicators (ROA, ROIC, and market capitalization) by using multiple regression modeling.Results:The feasible generalized least squares estimations reveal that higher CO2 emissions correlate with lower return on assets, ROIC, and market capitalization of energy companies, significant at the 5% level. Additionally, while renewable energy technologies (Y02E10) did not impact ROA, they contributed significantly to ROIC at the 1% level. Combustion technologies with mitigation potential (Y02E20) positively influence all financial performance indicators, and nuclear energy technologies (Y02E30) significantly contribute to both ROA and ROIC at the 10% level.Discussion:Our research demonstrates that technological advancements in national economies are not consistent and that disparities exist in specific data segments. Advancements are observed in certain areas, highlighting the significance of national legislation in promoting green finance and renewable energy development. This emphasizes the need for BRICS countries to prioritize renewable energy technologies and adopt legislative initiatives from developed nations as a model for achieving clean technological growth and renewable energy targets.

Heterogeneous Structure, Mechanisms of Counterion Exchange, and the Spacer Salt Effect in Complex Molten Salt Mixtures Including LaCl3.

Complex molten chloride salt mixtures of uranium, magnesium, and sodium are top candidates for promising nuclear energy technologies to produce electricity based on molten salt reactors. From a local structural perspective, LaCl3 is similar to UCl3 and hence a good proxy to study these complex salt mixtures. As fission products, lanthanide salts and their mixtures are also very important in their own right. This article describes from an experimental and theory perspective how very different the structural roles of MgCl2 and NaCl are in mixtures with LaCl3. We find that, whereas MgCl2 becomes an integral part of multivalent ionic networks, NaCl separates them. In a recent article (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 21751-21762) we have called the disruptive behavior of NaCl "the spacer salt effect". Because of the heterogeneous nature of these salt mixtures, there are multiple structural motifs in the melt, each with its particular free energetics. Our work identifies and quantifies these; it also elucidates the mechanisms through which Cl- ions exchange between Mg2+-rich and La3+-rich environments.

Effect of long-term high-temperature exposure in a controlled atmosphere on mullite-corundum ceramics for advanced applications in nuclear power technology

This work investigates the behavior and properties of corundum and mullite ceramics at high temperatures and during very long exposures in a controlled atmosphere. The motivation of the work lies primarily in advanced applications in nuclear energy technology, specifically in the search for materials for helium-cooled reactors of the 4th generation. The studied ceramic samples Al63, Al70, Al76, Al96, Al100, where the number indicates the mass percentage of Al2O3, were exposed for 1000 h at a temperature of 900 °C in gaseous atmospheres of helium, nitrogen and air. The properties of the exposed and unexposed samples were evaluated by measuring the bending strength at room temperature (CMOR), hot modulus of rupture at high temperature (HMOR), and isothermal creep, BET method, and using electron microscopy. The color changes induced by the reducing atmosphere and temperature were also interpreted using a simple thermochemical model. The CMOR measurement results show that all ceramic samples do not significantly change their properties due to long-term exposure. The detected deviations in the exposed samples from the unexposed ones can be considered random caused by the inherent heterogeneous structure. A similar conclusion also applies in the case of the HMOR measurement results, except for the results for the Al63 sample, where the drop in the strength of the exposed samples by approx. 37 MPa (20 %) may be related with the highest proportion of polyvalent oxide admixtures of all studied ceramics, i.e. 1.01 wt % Fe2O3 and 0.52 wt % TiO2. The change in color indicates that the iron and titanium present are being reduced. However, none of the conducted experiments indicate that changes in the redox state associated with the formation of oxygen vacancies would significantly reduce strength at high temperatures or increase creep in mullite ceramics.

Asymmetric nexus between nuclear energy technology budgets and carbon emissions in European economies: Evidence from quantile-on-quantile estimation

Our research seeks to assess the influence of nuclear energy technology on carbon emissions in the top 10 European economies comprising the topmost nuclear energy R&D budget (France, Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, the UK, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and Switzerland). Unlike prior investigations predominantly relying on panel data methodologies without considering the distinctive characteristics of each economy, our study employs the advanced 'Quantile-on-Quantile' approach. This novel methodology enables us to investigate the interactions between variables within each unique nation, thereby improving the precision of our analysis. As a result, the study provides a thorough global perspective, revealing nuanced findings pertinent to each economy's specific attributes. Our outcomes demonSstrate a positive interconnection between nuclear energy technology and carbon emissions across various quantiles in our analyzed nations. Additionally, the study highlights diverse patterns in these associations within individual economies. These findings emphasize the significance of policymakers performing comprehensive measurements and devising effective strategies to monitor fluctuations in nuclear energy technology and carbon emissions.

Editorial: Advances in Nuclear Fusion Energy and Cross-Cutting Technologies

The current energy model, which is based largely on the use of fossil fuels and has a direct influence on global warming and climate change, presents serious problems of unsustainability in the long term [...]

Surface Contamination Measurement by Combining Detectors and Robots

Against the background of the rapid development of nuclear energy and nuclear technology, the number of places with radioactivity has gradually risen, which poses a significant safety hazard to human beings. Aiming at indoor radioactive places, this paper designs a detector that can be mounted on a robot, and experiments prove that this detector can accurately detect α-surface contamination and β-surface contamination. The surface contamination is measured using a combination of a remote-controlled robot and a detector.

Predicting Melting Temperatures of Freeze Valve in Molten Salt Reactors using LSTM-Based Deep Learning Models

The realm of molten salt reactors (MSR) presents unique challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of advancing nuclear energy technology. One pivotal aspect is the development of safety mechanisms, including freeze valves, aimed at enhancing the security and operational integrity of these reactors. Freeze valves, designed to halt the flow of molten salt in emergency scenarios, play a critical role in averting potential hazardous situations. This research paper investigates the application of deep learning models for predicting melting temperatures, leveraging time-series temperature data, specifically targeting the freeze valve technology within the context of molten salt reactors. The research methodology encompasses the creation of a synthetic dataset representative of freeze valve conditions in MSR. Each dataset entry comprises a time-series temperature profile associated with the freeze valve and its corresponding melting temperature. To capture the intricate temporal relationships inherent in these profiles, a specialized Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) architecture, incorporating Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) cells, is developed and trained. The model’s training is augmented by preprocessing techniques, including the normalization of time-series temperature data. Evaluation of the model’s predictive capabilities focuses on its performance in forecasting the melting temperatures of the freeze valve. Metrics such as mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) are utilized to quantify the model’s accuracy and robustness. The study delves into the influence of architectural configurations, hyperparameter tuning, and dataset characteristics on the model’s predictions, shedding light on the factors that contribute to optimal predictive performance. The outcomes of this research highlight the potential of deep learning models in predicting the melting temperatures of freeze valves in the context of MSR. The developed model not only showcases an ability to anticipate impending safety-critical events but also underscores the significance of leveraging time-series temperature data to enhance the integrity of safety mechanisms in nuclear reactor systems. Ultimately, this research contributes to the pursuit of safer and more efficient nuclear energy solutions, offering valuable insights into predictive modeling techniques within the complex landscape of molten salt reactor technologies.

Balancing the nuclear equation: Climate policy uncertainty and budgetary dynamics

Amidst the uncertainties of climate policy, investing in nuclear energy technology emerges as a sustainable strategy, fostering innovation in a critical sector, while simultaneously addressing urgent environmental concerns and managing budgetary dynamics. Our investigation inspects the asymmetric influence of climate policy uncertainty on nuclear energy technology in the top 10 nations with the highest nuclear energy R&D budgets (Germany, Japan, China, France, USA, UK, India, South Korea, Russia, and Canada). Previous studies adopted panel data methods to evaluate the linkage between climate policy uncertainty and nuclear energy technology. Nonetheless, these investigations overlooked the variability in this association across various countries. Conversely, this investigation introduces an innovative tool, ‘Quantile-on-Quantile’ to probe this connection merely for every economy. This methodology concedes for a more accurate evaluation, offering a holistic global perspective and delivering tailored insights for individual countries. The findings uncover that climate policy uncertainty significantly reduces nuclear energy technology budgets across multiple quantiles in most selected economies. Additionally, our results highlight the asymmetries in the correlations between our variables across the nations. These findings stress the need for policymakers to conduct thorough assessments and skillfully manage climate policy uncertainty and nuclear energy budgets.

Nuclear zelus: climate-oriented imaginaries among nuclear energy professionals

ABSTRACT This essay engages rhetorics of zeal, a common genre of contemporary discourse that merits further study. To focus on a representative example, we draw from multi-sited rhetorical fieldwork at nuclear science conferences and supplementary texts, examining the rhetoric of nuclear professionals’ zealous advocacy of nuclear power as a response to climate change and energy poverty. A common set of arguments appears throughout our texts: jealousy or envy over renewable energy technologies; protectiveness over perceived unfair policy treatment; love or devotion for nuclear energy as a savior technology; and passion or zeal to share the story of nuclear support with others. To describe these and similar rhetorics, we theorize the nuclear zelus trope. Drawing from the mythological and etymological history of the term “zeal,” zelus rhetorics are characterized by a general narrative of passionate advocacy. Through a series of rhetorical patterns that channel passion into a call to action, nuclear zelus names white savior and racialized tropes that position nuclear energy technology as a global savior and supporters of nuclear energy as driven by a sense of righteousness. The conclusion addresses implications for further understanding zeal as an important rhetorical frame across various contexts.

Renewable Energy in India: Resource Availability, Waste Generation and Management

Energy security, environment and economy are the three major pillars of a country. These parameters not only secure a better quality of life for the citizens but also protect the country against an unwanted threat and economic crises. The energy need in India is primarily fulfilled by burning of the fossil fuels, but their reserves are limited and may deplete very soon. Also, they emit a large amount of CO2 gas in the environment which is a key driver for the global warming. Therefore, to sustain the economy and protect the environment, India is focusing on the use of renewable energy; particularly solar and wind energy. In this article we have assessed the potential of these two energy sources in terms of material availability, waste generated and its disposal. At the end we have compared it with the well-established nuclear energy technology. Finding the future of a technology based on the raw material availability and its final treatment is necessary to make a self-reliant and sustainable technology, as India is progressing towards the same.

Derivation And Applications of The Lorentz Transformation

The Lorentz transformation is a foundational mathematical construction that has revolutionized people’s comprehension of space, time, and motion within the realm of special relativity. Crafted through the collaborative insights of Lorentz and Einstein, it offers a profound perspective on the intricate fabric of the universe. By delving into the intricate interplay between space and time, the Lorentz transformation transcends traditional Newtonian notions, providing a groundbreaking framework to grasp the behavior of matter and energy in the cosmos. This paper embarks on a meticulous exploration, deriving the Lorentz transformation equations from first principles. It subsequently delves into a captivating journey through its multifaceted applications. From unraveling the mysteries of high-energy particle interactions to enhancing the accuracy of global navigation systems, the reach of the Lorentz transformation extends across diverse scientific and technological domains. The applications include elucidating counterintuitive effects like time dilation and length contraction, elucidating the mass-energy equivalence principle, and facilitating precise measurements in high-speed scenarios like medical imaging. Moreover, the Lorentz transformation guides people’s understanding of electromagnetic fields and underpins advancements in nuclear energy and aerospace technology.

High-temperature thermal imaging to inform the arc-melt synthesis of nuclear materials

The advancement of nuclear energy technology necessitates the development of novel materials and synthesis methods to produce materials which enable new fuel cycles. Alongside the maturation of R&D scale technologies to produce these materials, there is an ongoing effort to develop in situ monitoring capabilities to reduce the time to the discovery and development of these fuels. Monitoring data can be leveraged in artificial intelligence platforms to detect phenomena which lead to varied macro- and microstructural features which impact the application and performance of samples synthesized. The present study presents early-stage findings of the implementation of high-temperature, high-frame-rate infrared thermal imaging to monitor the arc-melt synthesis of novel fuels and compounds relevant to advanced nuclear reactors. The study illustrates both the challenges and opportunities of this methodology, highlighting the importance of internal standards while determining emissivity and transmission values as well as visualizing volatilization during melt synthesis.

Fluoride-Salt-cooled high-Temperature Advanced Reactor (FuSTAR): An integrated nuclear-based energy production and conversion system

Based on the analysis of energy structure and the development trends of advanced nuclear energy technology, combining the complementary advantages of nuclear energy and other energy sources in China, the Fluoride-Salt-cooled high-Temperature Advanced Reactor (FuSTAR) system has been proposed. FuSTAR system is designed to address production capacity issues in areas with energy shortages or resource concentration and can be combined with high-temperature process heat to achieve high-value-added processes such as hydrogen production. In this paper, the Tri-structural isotropic fuel combined with helical cruciform elements has been studied in detail on the neutron physics and thermal-hydraulic properties, and the flow and heat transfer experiment is carried out for the first time. The multilayer nonlinear programming method has been applied to the design of thermal transport systems. Then the optimal parameters and configuration of the thermoelectric conversion system are obtained by the superstructure optimization method. The inherent safety of FuSTAR is demonstrated through deterministic safety analysis. In addition, the iodine-sulfur cycle technology and the characteristics of tritium production are also analyzed. This study highlights the significant potential of integrating nuclear energy with other energy sources in an optimized energy-production system.

Experimental measurement of stiffness coefficient of high-temperature graphite pebble fuel elements in helium at high temperatures

Graphite material plays an important role in nuclear reactors especially the high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) by its outstanding comprehensive nuclear properties. The structural integrity of graphite pebble fuel elements is the first barrier to core safety under any circumstances. The correct knowledge of the stiffness coefficient of the graphite pebble fuel element inside the reactor's core is significant to ensure the valid design and inherent safety. In this research, a vertical extrusion device was set up to measure the stiffness coefficient of the graphite pebble fuel element by the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) of Tsinghua University in China. The stiffness coefficient equations of graphite pebble fuel elements at different temperatures are given (in a helium atmosphere). The result first provides the data on the high-temperature stiffness coefficient of pebbles in helium gas. The result will be helpful for the engineering safety analysis of pebble-bed nuclear reactors.

HI decomposition over the HI-100 test apparatus at a hydrogen production rate over 100 L/h

Studies on the iodine-sulfur (IS) thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production has been carried out since about 2005 by the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, China. The HI decomposition occupies the important position of hydrogen generation in the IS cycle. In this paper, the HI-100 test apparatus with a H2 production rate of 100 L/h was constructed and the HI decomposition was tested. First, the process and components for HI decomposition were designed. Then, the key components, including the feed tank, evaporator, gas heater, adiabatic reactor, condenser, and gas-liquid separator were made of industrial materials. After building this apparatus, the sealing test, heating water test, and HI decomposition have been conducted. The stable hydrogen production operation of more than 100 L/h had been achieved for 5 h, the maximum hydrogen production reached approximately 130 L/h, and the hydroiodic acid decomposition rate maintained about 22 %. The test results provide the design and experimental guidance for further amplification of HI decomposition for hydrogen production by the IS cycle.