scholarly journals Entering new markets: nuclear industry challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2B) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Ondir Freire ◽  
Delvonei Alves De Andrade
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Carbon Taxes ◽  
Transport Costs ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Physical Constraints ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Industry Needs

Nuclear ship propulsion and isolated islands energy supply are unexplored markets for nuclear vendors. Carbon taxes and fuel regulations may make fossil fuels more expensive. Such markets pay more for energy because of organization and transport costs and use of small machines, which are less efficient than grid generators. The goal of this work is to find the measures the nuclear industry needs to take to get into new potential markets. This work shows the different actors and their interests and points the natural or physical constraints they face. Considering interests and constraints, this work named the most probable market niches where nuclear power may beat other power sources. After considering natural constraints, this paper analyses human-generated constraints and presents a way on how to mitigate or solve them. This study shows that nuclear industry needs to take technical, administrative, and political measures before nuclear power arrives to a wider market. This work is based on literature review and qualitative analysis and cannot point precise thresholds where nuclear power should be competitive. Future work will consist of statistical analysis to find precise thresholds to help in the decision-making process.

Development of Experimental Setup of High Temperature Helium Loop and Preparation for In-Pile Operation

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marija Miletić ◽  
Rostislav Fukač ◽  
Igor Pioro ◽  
Alexey Dragunov
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Fuel Cycle ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Creep Tests

Rapidly increasing energy and electricity demands, global concerns over the climate changes and strong dependence on foreign fossil fuels supplies are powerfully influencing greater use of nuclear power. In order to establish the viability of next-generation reactor concepts to meet tomorrow’s needs for clean and reliable energy production the fundamental research and development issues need to be addressed for the Generation-IV nuclear-energy systems. Generation-IV reactor concepts are being developed to use more advanced materials, coolants and higher burn-ups fuels, while keeping a nuclear reactor safe and reliable. One of the six Generation-IV concepts which will utilize thermal neutron spectrum is a Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR). This reactor concept uses a graphite-moderated core with a once-through uranium fuel cycle, using high temperature helium as the coolant. Because helium is naturally inert and single-phase, the helium-cooled reactor can operate at much higher temperatures, leading to higher efficiency. Current VHTR concepts will use fuels such as uranium dioxide, uranium carbide, or uranium oxycarbide. Since some of these fuels are new in nuclear industry and due to their unknown properties and behaviour within VHTR conditions it is very important to address these issues by investigate their characteristics within conditions close to those in VHTRs. This research can be performed in a research reactor with in-pile helium loop designed and constructed in Research Centre Rez, Ltd. The purpose of the High Temperature Helium Loop (HTHL) is to simulate technical and chemical conditions of VHTR’s coolant. The loop is intended to serve an as experimental device for fatigue and creep tests of construction metallic materials for gas-cooled reactors and it should be also employed for research in field of gaseous coolant chemistry. The loop will serve also for tests of nuclear graphite, dosing and Helium purification systems. Because the VHTR is a new reactor concept, major technical uncertainties remain relative to helium-cooled advanced reactor systems. This paper summarizes the concept of the HTHL in the Research Centre Rez Ltd., its design, utilization and future plans for experimental setup.

scholarly journals Implications for Deriving Regional Fossil Fuel CO2 Estimates from Atmospheric Observations in a Hot Spot of Nuclear Power Plant 14CO2 Emissions

Radiocarbon ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 1556-1572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix R Vogel ◽  
Ingeborg Levin ◽  
Doug E J Worthy
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Local Concentration ◽  
Candu Reactors ◽  
Global Emission ◽  
Observational Site ◽  
Pseudo Data

Using Δ14C observations to infer the local concentration excess of CO2 due to the burning of fossil fuels (ΔFFCO2) is a promising technique to monitor anthropogenic CO2 emissions. A recent study showed that 14CO2 emissions from the nuclear industry can significantly alter the local atmospheric 14CO2 concentration and thus mask the Δ14C depletion due to ΔFFCO2. In this study, we investigate the relevance of this effect for the vicinity of Toronto, Canada, a hot spot of anthropogenic 14CO2 emissions. Comparing the measured emissions from local power plants to a global emission inventory highlighted significant deviations on interannual timescales. Although the previously assumed emission factor of 1.6 TBq(GWa)-1 agrees with the observed long-term average for all CANDU reactors of 1.50 ± 0.18 TBq(GWa)-1. This power-based parameterization neglects the different emission ratios for individual reactors, which range from 3.4 ± 0.82 to 0.65 ± 0.09 TBq(GWa)-1. This causes a mean difference of-14% in 14CO2 concentrations in our simulations at our observational site in Egbert, Canada. On an annual time basis, this additional 14CO2 masks the equivalent of 27–82% of the total annual FFCO2 offset. A pseudo-data experiment suggests that the interannual variability in the masked fraction may cause spurious trends in the ΔFFCO2 estimates of the order of 30% from 2006–2010. In addition, a comparison of the modeled Δ14C levels with our observational time series from 2008–2010 underlines that incorporating the best available 14CO2 emissions significantly increases the agreement. There were also short periods with significant observed Δ14C offsets, which were found to be linked with maintenance periods conducted on these nuclear reactors.

A Conceptual Model for Integrative Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plants Operational Activities Based on Historical Nuclear Incidents and Accidents

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaylyn McCoy ◽  
Miltiadis Alamaniotis ◽  
Tatjana Jevremovic
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Nuclear Power Plants ◽  
Corrective Action ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Historical Knowledge ◽  
Inference System ◽  
Operational Activities

A conceptual model for improvement in nuclear power plant operational safety and monitoring is presented. The innovation of this model is based on a calibrated software that utilizes an interactive component, thereby, eliminating a Corrective Action Management Plan’s sole dependence on informational databases. Artificial intelligence tools are used to build this model and, subsequently, support the monitoring and decision-making process software. Furthermore, the model integrates past historical knowledge of accidents and incidents occurring within the nuclear industry. Overall, intelligent analytic methods coupled with encoded accidents and incidents experiences synergize an inference system for nuclear operations monitoring and corrective action management. The proposed concept is challenged on two examples specific to nuclear power plants’ operation.

scholarly journals Enabling Business-Driven Innovation Through Human Factors Engineering In Nuclear Power Plants

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1790-1794
Author(s):  
Casey R. Kovesdi ◽  
Katya Le Blanc
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
The People ◽  
Industry Needs

For existing United States nuclear power plant fleet to remain economically viable, the nuclear industry needs to fundamentally change the way in which these plants are operated, maintained, and supported. A digital transformation is a key strategy to address this challenge. Though, guidance in this area is a continued effort. One framework to support innovation in the nuclear industry has taken a broader perspective by focusing on how technology can be used to meet specific business needs and work for the people and processes at hand. This work discusses the role and value of human factors engineering within this nuclear innovation framework. Human factors methods are presented here regarding how they address the phases of nuclear innovation. This work seeks to describe how human factors can be applied in nuclear innovation by strengthening the alignment of technology, people, processes, and regulations such that the needs of the business is addressed.

The Environmental, Economic and Social Performance of Nuclear Technology in Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Troy B Malatesta
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Energy Mix ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Reduce Emissions

Abstract The prominence of climate change is surging with Australia feeling the impacts of hotter and dryer climates. With 2030 approaching, Australia's promise to reduce emissions is seeming harder to achieve with their energy mix being dominated by fossil fuels. The development of SMR technology in the nuclear industry offers a possible solution for Australia to shift away from coal and gas energy sources and invest in low carbon nuclear technologies. SMR technology is suitable for the Australian context due to the number of remote locations, the size of the mining and processing industries and the minimal nuclear experience Australia has. This study aimed to quantify the environmental benefits of Australia incorporating nuclear power in their energy mix and to calculate the levelized cost of electricity of constructing a 684 MWe nuclear plant using the NuScale Module. Additionally, a survey was created to provide an insight into the Australian perception of energy generation and nuclear power. The responses showed the Australian attitudes towards nuclear power and the misconceptions that are resulting in negative perceptions and attitudes.

scholarly journals The Nuclear Power Dilemma—Between Perception and Reality

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 6074
Author(s):  
Florentina Paraschiv ◽  
Dima Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Weapons Proliferation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Media Communications ◽  
Nuclear Power Production

Motivated by the environmental challenges and the increase in energy demand, this review assesses the suitability of nuclear power production as an alternative option to using fossil fuels. First, we assess the competitiveness of nuclear power compared to other power sources considering its economic efficiency, environmental impact and implications for health, and conclude that this is a viable option to serve in addition to and as a backup to renewable sources. Second, we review previous findings in various fields on advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power technology and conclude that there is a gap between reality and perception. Third, we discuss challenges related to nuclear weapons proliferation and misperceived public opinion on nuclear power. We conclude that the gap between perception and reality stems from a lack of consolidated interdisciplinary view, media communications focusing mainly on unilateral assessments.

Exploring the Use of Cognitive Work Analysis in Developing a Nuclear Power Plant New-State Vision

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 452-456
Author(s):  
Casey R. Kovesdi ◽  
Zachary A. Spielman
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Cognitive Work Analysis ◽  
Work Analysis ◽  
Strategic Vision ◽  
Complete Development ◽  
Cognitive Work ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Industry Needs

The United States nuclear industry needs to identify and implement a new strategy that will lower operating and maintenance costs while maintaining safety for existing plants. The industry must also have a clear and strategic vision of this transformative new state that focuses on ways in which technologies can be integrated to maximize the benefits of technology and people. While there are ongoing efforts in this area, this work discusses how the use of cognitive work analysis may offer further support. This paper provides an overview of cognitive work analysis, as well as the state of current new-state development efforts. The use of cognitive work analysis as a tool to enhance existing practices is presented to ensure the systematic and complete development of a new state vision.

scholarly journals Assessment of costs of nuclear power in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-194
Author(s):  
Islam Md. Shafiqul ◽  
Tanvir Hassan Bhuiyan
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Rate Of Return ◽  
Construction Time ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Technical Data ◽  
Electricity Cost ◽  
Fuel Costs

Financing and economic risks are two of the major challenges facing by the nuclear industry today for the construction of a new build Gen III+ or an advanced Gen IV nuclear power plant (NPP). Prediction of economics and financial aspects of an NPP always remains uncertain as these are heavily dependent on investment costs, construction time, licensing and regulation, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, fuel costs, financing costs, plant capacity factor (PCF), etc. Such uncertainty in accurately predicting the risk of financing and economics limits the growth of the nuclear industry. Furthermore, global high-trend construction costs of NPPs lack confidence amongst manufacturers and builders. This paper attempts for modeling the costs of the twin under construction VVER-1200 model Gen III+ reactors at Rooppur in Bangladesh based on techno-economic and financial data, and some assumptions. To calculate the levelized unit electricity cost (LUEC), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP), nine scenarios are modeled in the FINPLAN modeling tool given the plant technical data, investment costs, financial terms & conditions, global benchmarked operation & maintenance (O&M) costs and fuel costs, PCFs of 50–90%, and a fixed discount rate of 10%. The study finds that the estimations of LUECs of the Rooppur NPP project are in the range of 43.8–82.5 $/MWh of which are lower than for coal, oil, and renewable energy sources. The annual rate of return of the project is found in the range of 13–20%. The PBP is within 7–8 years after the start of commercial operation. Cost sensitivity analysis is performed by taking a large variation of O&M costs, fuel costs, and PCFs. The results show favorable economic situations with regard to the country’s other power sources and are expected to be competitive with global NPPs projects. Only the competitive NPP projects can contribute to a sustainable economic, social, environmental, scientific, and technological developments for both NPP importing and exporting countries.

scholarly journals Nuclear Concern

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriianne Foss
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Continuous Release ◽  
Nuclear Disaster ◽  
Nuclear Plants ◽  
Current Events ◽  
History Of

Finding an alternative energy source to fossil fuels is becoming increasingly important. This has led many countries to question whether nuclear power, touted as an environmentally friendly source of energy, is the answer. A look at the environmental effects attached to this source of energy—the risk of radiation exposure for communities adjacent to nuclear plants, and nuclear power’s volatile history—coupled with current events provides countries with reason to seriously doubt the safety and sustainability of this energy source. Nuclear plants do immediate damage to the system in which they are built, and that is not the end of their effects. Continuous release of radiological material into the surrounding area that threatens the ecology and nearby communities, the creation of waste, for which there is currently no solution, and a threat of radioactive materials falling into the hands of terrorist activists also weigh heavily against the sustainability of this energy source. The history of the nuclear industry makes it undeniable that more nuclear disasters are inevitable. Every community is vulnerable, whether a nuclear disaster is caused by nature’s wrath, as in Japan, or by human or technological error, as in many previous nuclear accidents, including Chernobyl. The countries of the world have a weighty decision to make about whether nuclear energy is the answer.

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