Nuclear Power Research Articles

Unraveling the Nuclear Debate: Insights Through Clustering of Tweets

The perception of nuclear power, while central to energy policy and sustainability endeavors, remains a subject of considerable debate, in which some claim that the expansion of nuclear technology poses threats to global security, while others argue that its access should be shared for development and energy purposes. In this study, a total of 11,256 tweets were gathered over a three-month period using a keyword-based approach through the Twitter Standard Search API, focusing on terms related to nuclear energy. The k-means clustering algorithm was employed to analyze tweets with the aim of determining the underlying sentiments and perspectives within the public domain, while t-SNE was used for visualizing cluster separation. The results show distinct clusters reflecting various viewpoints on nuclear power, with 71.94% of tweets being neutral, 14.64% supportive, and 13.42% negative. This study also identifies a subset of users who appear to be seeking unbiased information, signaling an opportunity for educational outreach. By leveraging the immediacy and pervasiveness of X (formerly known as Twitter), this research provides a timely snapshot of the prevailing attitudes toward nuclear power and offers insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders.

Deployment and performance of a Low-Energy-Threshold Skipper-CCD inside a nuclear reactor

Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) are being used for reactor neutrino experiments and have already demonstrated their potential in constraining new physics models. The prospect of a Skipper-CCD experiment looking for standard and beyond standard model (BSM) physics in a nuclear reactor has been evaluated for different benchmark scenarios. Here, we report the first installation of a 2-g Skipper-CCD inside the containment building of a 2 GWth nuclear power plant and analyze its performance throughout its first 18 months of operation. The sensor was successfully deployed at Atucha II, in Argentina, 12 meters away from the center of the reactor core. We discuss the challenges involved in the commissioning of the detector and present data acquired during reactor ON and reactor OFF periods, with the sensor functioning with a sub-electron readout noise of 0.17 e−. Based on an exposure of 56.8 g day reactor ON and two reactor OFF data sets with a total exposure of 118.1 g day we characterize the system and evaluate the sensitivity to CEvNS. We achieved a background rate of 33 kdru and a low threshold of 45 eVee. The ongoing efforts to improve sensitivities to CEvNS and BSM interaction are also discussed.

Mixed Convection Flow of a Viscous Dissipative and Heat Generating/Absorbing Fluid Through a Slit Microchannel

This paper is aimed at investigating the consequences of viscous dissipation and super-hydrophobicity on a magnetized mixed convection flow of an electrically conducting fluid across an up facing microchannel influenced by a transverse magnetic field. The plates were alternatively heated and incorporated with heat source/sink effect. The modeled governing equations have been obtained using a semi-analytical (regular perturbation) method. Various line graphs have been plotted to demonstrate the behavior of key parameter dictating the flow. It was found out that the thermal gradient and fluid velocity are significantly enhanced for mounting values of mixed convection Gre, Brickman number Br, Darcy porous number K and heat source S parameters in the superhydrophobic microchannel for constant pressure gradient Г. On the other hand, the velocity deteriorates for increasing levels of magnetic field M and heat sink S factors. Further, the comparison of this present analysis with previously published literature for limiting cases when Г=S=0 and Gre=1 showcased an excellent concurrence, thereby confirming the accuracy and validity of this present investigation. The findings from this research will find relevance in engineering, technological and industrial processes such as for solar collectors, nuclear reactors cooled during emergency shutdown, nuclear power plants, gas turbines and the various propulsion devices for aircraft, missiles, satellites and space vehicles.

A study on the transfer of radionuclides and of the resulting radiation dose assessment for marine organisms on the eastern coast of Yantai city

Oceans are repositories of radionuclides. Radionuclides are transferred through the food chain and cause ionizing radiation hazards for marine organisms. In this study, the transfer characteristics of 226Ra, 40K, 14C, 3H, 137Cs and 90Sr in organisms at different trophic levels in the eastern coast of Yantai city were investigated. The risk of ionizing radiation to organisms was assessed using the ERICA Tool 2.0. The results show no significant changes in the concentration of any of the nuclides in the coastal area compared to the preoperation period of the nuclear power plant. The transfer factor of 137Cs, 40K, 226Ra, 14C, 90Sr and 3H at the different trophic levels of marine organisms were 2.09, 1.29, 1.17, 1.15, 1.06 and 0.74, respectively. The dose rates of ionizing radiation to organisms from six radionuclides ranged from 32.02 nGy·h-1 to 195.49 nGy·h-1 and had a mean value of 102.86 ± 57.30 nGy·h-1. The main artificial radionuclides (14C, 3H, 90Sr, 137Cs) released by nuclear power plants in the study area produced negligible radiation doses to marine organisms. However, other artificial radionuclides present in the effluents of nuclear power plants (99Tc, 110mAg and 131I) as well as other natural radionuclides (includes 210Po, 210Pb, etc) were not included, and further evaluation of these is recommended.

Solar Passive House Conceptand Thermal System Design

This aricle puts forward a concept of family home enclosed in a greenhouse. Inspired by Naturhus and Earthship ideas, it leverages thermofluid technologies inspired by nuclear power passive cooling systems. The solar gain of the greenhouse allows for enhanced heating fuel efficiency in winter, while a system of solar-drive heat exchangers dissipates excess heat in summer. This general living qualities of such innovative housing concepts are discussed, followed by an outline of the computational challenges that need to be overcome by experiment-driven modelling, aiming for the demonstrator that successfully controls summer daily temperature peaks.

Can the European nuclear power industry compete with the Chinese nuclear power industry?

European commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, told Le Journal du Dimanche in January 2022, “Existing nuclear plants alone will need 50 billion euros of investment from now until 2030. And new generation ones will need 500 billion”. This paper considers whether these values are realistic. Further, it asks whether these investments would yield an internationally competitive European nuclear power infrastructure given that the nuclear power industries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries have lost global nuclear market share to Russian and Chinese firms since 1995.The paper investigates whether the European nuclear industry even with massive investment can compete with the Chinese nuclear industries. It concludes that the European (in particular, the French) nuclear power industry will be unlikely to be cost competitive with the Chinese nuclear power industry unless financing and new plant orders are immediately forthcoming. To achieve carbon neutrality, the issue becomes whether European Union countries can afford indigenous nuclear technologies or will need to import nuclear power plants from Asia.

Modeling Nuclear-Centric Scenarios for Ukraine’s Low-Carbon Energy Transition Using Diffusion and Regression Techniques

This study presents a mathematical model for forecasting the development of Ukraine’s Integrated Power System (IPS) until 2040, with a specific focus on the expansion of nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the nation’s low-carbon transition. The model is an extension of Frank Bass’s mixed influence diffusion model, incorporating both economic and technological factors. These factors are treated as stochastic variables essential for accurately predicting the evolution of an integrated energy system, particularly in the context of rapid renewable energy sources (RES) growth. The model employs regression techniques using generalized logistic curves, improving forecasting efficiency by aligning modeling parameters with experimental data. The study’s results indicate the potential for optimizing IPS components, including nuclear and thermal power generation, through the model’s application. The model is distinguished by its inclusion of economic and technological impacts, such as state matrices, control actions, and external influence matrices, which enhance the accuracy of simulations and predictions. The validation of the model, based on scenarios of electricity consumption and generation, shows significant alignment with observed trends, confirming the model’s reliability. The findings suggest that this model is an effective tool for developing and refining energy system scenarios, with nuclear energy playing a pivotal role in Ukraine’s sustainable energy future.

Tetrahybrid nanoparticles through squeezed channel with inclined Lorentz forces

Heat exchangers, nuclear power plants, and other engineering and manufacturing operations all involve high temperatures. These systems have a very big temperature gradient, which has a substantial impact on the fluid's transport characteristics. Under such circumstances, using the linear Boussinesq approximation and taking into account the constant thermophysical parameters for the ambient liquid become meaningless. Thus, under the impact on the angled magnetic field and joule heating, the radiative convection flow of the blood-based tetrahybrid nanoliquid in a squeezing channel is examined in this work. The base fluid that contains the distributed alumina, gold, silver, and titania nanoparticles is blood. Through suitable transformations, the partial governing equations were decreased into nonlinear ordinary differential equation's, which are then resolved mathematically applying the fourth-order accurate BVP4C technique. The increase in the viscous dissipation parameter corresponds toward the notable elevation on the blood temperature profile. The rate of heat transfer 57.4519% improved in Au-Ag-Al2O3-TiO2/blood than that of pure blood.

State-of-art review of beyond design basis evaluation approach of a generic nuclear power plant in the UK

Abstract The Fukushima accident prompted rapid development in the appreciation and codification of BDB methodology into regulatory guidance and this is still continuing, especially at IAEA, which has recently and is due to publish several new standards documents directly relevant to BDB analysis. The objective of this paper is to provide a state-of-art review on how BDB evaluations are undertaken in the UK nuclear industry. Then, using the work undertaken for the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) in the UK for UK HPR1000, this paper proposed a more systematic approach for “cliff-edge” evaluation based on a generic nuclear power plant design currently being developed in the UK.

Testing the thermal performance of water cooling towers

Abstract The essential service water system (ESWS) in nuclear power plants circulates the water that cools fan coolers, cooling water heat exchangers, and condensers and other components before dissipating the heat into the environment. Because this includes cooling the systems that remove decay heat from both the primary system and the spent fuel rod cooling ponds, the ESWS is a safety-critical system. In locations without a large body of water in which to dissipate the heat, water is recirculated via a cooling tower. Cooling towers fall into two main categories: Natural draft and Mechanical draft. Since, the mechanical draft cooling towers are much more widely used; the focus is on them in this work to measure its performance. Therefore; the present work addresses the thermal acceptance test for mechanical draft water cooling tower in order to determine its thermal capability in accordance with the cooling technology institute (CTI) code recommendations. Both the Characteristic Curve and the Performance Curve Methods are used. A detailed description of the test procedure according to the CTI ATC-105 test code is presented, and the test code is applied on the Egypt second research reactor (ETRR-2) cooling tower as a case study. All the instruments used in the reactor plant are calibrated prior the test and the measured data is collected at regular intervals according to the code recommendations. The test result shows a tower capability of about 105 % and so the tower is thermally accepted.

Calix[4]arene-decorated polymers of intrinsic microporosity for lithium isotopes separation

Due to the importance of lithium isotopes in the nuclear energy industry, there are increasing number of researchs on the lithium isotopes separation in recent years. However, the adsorbents used for lithium isotopes separation suffer from the low adsorption capacity and isotopes separation factor in aqueous phase, and is difficult to meet the requirements for industrial lithium isotopes production. In this work, two types of calix[4]arenes with different rim groups were incorporated into the polymer backbone. Both calix[4]arene decorated PIMs exhibited good lithium adsorption capacities in aqueous phase. Among them, 4-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene decorated PIM showed excellent lithium isotopes separation performance with a maximum lithium adsorption capacity of 67.99 mg·g−1 and an isotopes separation factor of 1.034 ± 0.003 in aqueous phase. The ease of preparing and stable cycling performance makes it potentially useful for industrial lithium isotopes production.

Research on the radioactive safety of industrial steam supplied by PWR nuclear power plant

The heating source of the nuclear power steam supply installation is PWR secondary steam, but the secondary steam is potentially radioactive, and the radioactive material may migrate to the industrial steam, which goes through the leakage of the heat exchanger. Compared with the conventional industrial steam, the steam supplied by the nuclear power has potential radioactivity. Nuclear power is first introduced to produce the industrial steam, in order to analyze the specific activity and radiation effects of the industrial steam on the staffs at the user side, an analytical model of industrial steam radioactivity is developed based on the technological process of industrial steam under operating conditions, and then the exposure pathways of the staff at the user side from the industrial steam is analyzed. The specific activity of the industrial steam and the exposure dose of the staff is evaluated. According to the evaluation results, it can be seen that the dose to staff caused by the industrial steam is far smaller than the radiation impact on the public caused by the nuclear power plant, and can meet the requirements of relevant regulations and standards. Therefore from the radiation safety point of view, the industrial steam supplied by the nuclear power steam supply installation is safe and acceptable for industrial use.

Pure metals for creation the nuclear structural materials

The paper presents the main results of research on the development of structural materials for equipment elements of existing and prospective nuclear power plants. The further development of nuclear energy largely depends on the development of advanced structural materials for new generation reactors and the improvement of materials for operating nuclear power plants. The high requirements for structural materials regarding the content of impurity elements can be met only when high-purity metals are used as initial components and new technologies for their production are used. The prospects of using new methods and approaches for evaluating and improving the physico-mechanical and physico-chemical properties (microhardness, corrosion resistance, radiation resistance, etc.) of structural materials for nuclear technologies were considered.

Uranium mining remediation, environmental assessment, and bureaucratic violence environmental sociology

ABSTRACT The US government has called for increased uranium mining to support nuclear energy as a replacement for fossil fuels. At the same time, remediating historical mines has been challenging, leaving Indigenous communities suffering as they fight for the removal of harmful mining waste from decades past. Examining two projects and their environmental assessments in the Navajo Nation, this study identifies how settler colonialism extends through state decision-making in the push for nuclear power. Promoting environmental justice, yet approving licenses for new mines and waste storage in Indigenous communities, constitutes a form of bureaucratic violence in which policies and procedures legitimate harm. State power is extended through claims of scientific legitimacy and participatory process, while defending decisions as just. The analysis of these processes shows how past land dispossession leads to forever environmental, ecological, and social damage under the guise of regulatory protection.

A Study on Energy Production and Consumption Based on Seasonal ARIMA and REAO

In the face of the global energy challenge, this study delves into the intricate landscape of energy dynamics within the rapidly evolving global economy and technological sphere. Recognizing energy as a pivotal driver of societal progress, we present a comprehensive evaluation and optimization model for China's energy sources, emphasizing economic, cost, electric energy, and environmental considerations. Employing time series models, specifically ARIMA and gray scale forecasting, we meticulously analyze wind and solar power generation, as well as overall power consumption. The results showcase nuclear power and hydropower as significant contributors to the energy landscape. Leveraging a linear programming model, we simulate and optimize the future energy development structure, considering constraints such as cost, energy, capacity, and carbon emissions. Our findings reveal the optimal quota contributions of thermal power, hydro power, nuclear power, wind power, and solar power as 13.7%, 14.2%, 17.6%, 54.5%, and 0%. Building upon these insights, we propose strategic recommendations for sustainable electric energy development. Emphasizing wind and solar energy's potential, we advocate for continued interest and increased support for technological advancements. Additionally, we call for the establishment of comprehensive power and energy development plans, integrating economic and environmental goals. To address imperfections in China's electricity tariff system, we recommend ongoing reforms aligned with market dynamics and environmental considerations.

Measurement of neutron spectra in spent fuel storage

The neutron spectrum was measured at two locations in the spent fuel storage facility of the Temelín nuclear power plant. The measurement had two primary objectives: to map the neutron -γ field by quantifying the ambient dose equivalent H∗(10) and to identify methods that could improve the quality of the adjusted neutron spectrum using a Bonner Sphere Spectrometer (BSS). Three spectrometers were used: a BSS and two proton recoil spectrometers. Hydrogen-filled proportional counters and an EJ309 scintillator were used to construct the a priori spectrum for BSS adjustment. The details of this process and its results are discussed. The a posteriori spectrum was used to calculate the ambient dose equivalent H∗(10). The resulting spectrum is highly thermalised, but the predominant contribution to H∗(10) was in the 100 keV-1.3 MeV range. The use of hydrogen-proportional counters in combination with the BSS is recommended.

Multi-Scale Risk-Informed Comprehensive Assessment Methodology for Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are prone to thermal runaway, which can potentially result in serious incidents. These challenges are more prominent in large-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage system (Li-BESS) infrastructures. The conventional risk assessment method has a limited perspective, resulting in inadequately comprehensive evaluation outcomes, which impedes the provision of dependable technical support for the scientific appraisal of intricate large-scale Li-BESS systems. This study presents a novel Li-BESS-oriented multi-scale risk-informed comprehensive assessment framework, realizing the seamless transmission of assessment information across various scales. The findings from a previous smaller-scale analysis serve as inputs for a larger scale. The evaluation process of this method is more scientifically rigorous and yields more comprehensive results compared to assessment technologies just relying on a single perspective. By utilizing the proposed comprehensive assessment methodology, this study utilized the emergency power supply of nuclear power plants (NPPs) as an application scenario, demonstrating the complete implementation process of the framework and conducting a comprehensive assessment of Li-BESS feasibility as an emergency power source for NPPs. Our findings propose a novel paradigm for the comprehensive assessment of Li-BESS, which is expected to serve as a scientific foundation for decision-making and technical guidance in practical applications.

Generating optimal reloading patterns for CNPGS Unit-3 core using multi-objective elitist teaching-learning-based optimizer

Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) management presents the core reloading pattern optimization as a significant problem that contributes to the improvement of reactor productivity and optimal fuel utilization with considering safety conditions. In present study, Multi-Objective Elitist Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (MO-ETLBO) technique is suggested to cope up the multi-objective reloading optimization problem of the Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) unit-3 core. A multivariable objective function is designed to evaluate the quality of each loading pattern while maximizing critical boron concentration (CBC), minimizing the power peaking factor (PPF), and optimally enhancing the cycle length while ensuring adequate safety margins and design limits. It has been found that the equilibrium cycle can be extended to 16.07 extended full power days (EFPDs) while maintaining the PPF and CBC within design limits. To validate the effectiveness of TLBO, the optimized loading pattern of the equilibrium core was evaluated using the deterministic computer code DONJON5, for neutronic parameter analysis. The results show that the algorithm proposed in this study is a promising approach for reloading pattern optimization in CNPGS unit-3, offering potential improvements in reactor cycle length while ensuring safety and enhancing overall performance.

Neutron and gamma radiation effects on thermal storage properties of polyethylene wax

Several nuclear reactors use ice condensers to condense steam in the case of a loss of coolant accident. These ice condensers have many problems that could be alleviated by using another material. The effects of low-dose neutron and gamma radiation on the thermal properties of polyethylene wax (PEW) were investigated for this purpose. PEW was irradiated in the Missouri University of Science and Technology Research Reactor (MSTR), the University of Missouri Cyclotron (MUC) and the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) up to doses equivalent to 10 months in a nuclear power reactor's containment structure. The melting temperature and latent heat of fusion were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Changes in the molecular bonds was determined using Raman spectroscopy. It was found that there was not a significant change in the thermal properties nor bonding over the investigated doses. This suggests that organic PCMs could be reliable alternatives to ice in nuclear reactor containment applications. The measured melting peak was found to be significantly wider expected by the suppliers' description. The ramifications of wide melting peaks are discussed in the context of reactor accident analysis and further experiments are suggested.

Cybersecurity in Prognostics and Health Management

PHM continues to show its value by improving operational efficiencies, increasing safety, reducing downtime, and decreasing cost of operations. PHM technologies are therefore not only being deployed as retrofit solutions but are being integrated into new systems as standard practice. Deployment covers areas such as medical equipment, nuclear power plants, aeronautics applications, oil and gas, mining, and many others. As the impact of PHM increases, it is imperative to also consider the potential vulnerabilities that are being exposed. Hackers have famously used Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems to sabotage industrial facilities. As such, it is important to understand the exposure to malfeasance to ensure that PHM does not end up being the enabling mechanism for unauthorized access to the system it is meant to keep in running order. It is also important to understand the measures that need to be taken to avoid or respond to an attack. These range from extensive penetration testing to conducting extensive counter-social engineering training, setting up a PHM-specific CERT plan and team in place. This paper discusses various threats that are emerging and that may have to be considered when designing a PHM solution. Additionally, the NIST cybersecurity framework is discussed in the context of PHM. Finally, this paper looks at the diagnostic capabilities of PHM systems to detect cyber security attacks and to contain these threats.