CONCEPT DESIGN FOR A SUEZMAX TANKER POWERED BY A 70 MW SMALL MODULAR REACTOR

2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (A1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S E Hirdaris ◽  
Y F Cheng ◽  
P Shallcross ◽  
J Bonafoux ◽  
D Carlson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Ship Design ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Ship Propulsion ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Nuclear Systems

The authors are to be congratulated on a well- researched and timely technical paper. I am pleased to express my personal opinion on the subject. COSCO was intending to initiate a study in December 2009 on nuclear powered ship design in order to reduce GHG emissions from shipping. However, this plan was aborted three years after, following the catastrophic accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan during March 2011. This intensified political and public opposition to nuclear power to the extent that Germany has since adopted plans to decommission its entire nuclear infrastructure. However, confidence is beginning to re- emerge - confidence which I share. With increasing attention being given to GHG emissions arising from burning fossil fuels for global aviation and marine transport, together with the excellent safety record of nuclear power in the marine environment and the development of the new generation of SMRs, it is quite conceivable that renewed attention will be given to the application of nuclear power in merchant ship propulsion. In producing this paper, the authors have made a significant contribution in the field of innovative ship design development. They have demonstrated the feasibility of applying the latest generation of nuclear reactor to commercial ship propulsion. Whereas nuclear power has been widely used in vessels of a number of navies and icebreakers, it has yet to be adopted for commercial ships other than a small number of research projects. This paper has provided good rationale for accommodating nuclear power in merchant shipping including speed and range requirements, required specific volume on board, environmental considerations etc. The study has also considered the risks associated with design and the arrangement of nuclear systems including location of the SMR, type of propulsion options and other safety- critical issues, not least the radiological risk to persons on board, involved in maintenance and in port.

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.

Environmental impact of the nuclear fuel cycle: Fate of actinides

MRS Bulletin ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 859-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney C. Ewing ◽  
Wolfgang Runde ◽  
Thomas E. Albrecht-Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Nuclear Fuel ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Reactions ◽  
Fuel Cycle ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Nuclear Fuel Cycle ◽  
Bearing Materials ◽  
Electronic Configurations

The resurgence of nuclear power as a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has, in parallel, revived interest in the environmental impact of actinides. Just as GHG emissions are the main environmental impact of the combustion of fossil fuels, the fate of actinides, consumed and produced by nuclear reactions, determines whether nuclear power is viewed as an environmentally “friendly” source of energy. In this article, we summarize the sources of actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle, how actinides are separated by chemical processing, the development of actinide-bearing materials, and the behavior of actinides in the environment. At each stage, actinides present a unique and complicated behavior because of the 5f electronic configurations.

scholarly journals How to tell the story of change and transition of the energy, ecological and societal systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 502
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Birat
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Green Technologies ◽  
Stable Regime ◽  
Energy Transitions ◽  
Energy Community ◽  
Ecological Transition

After overusing the expression Sustainable Development, some action plan was needed to switch from rhetorical to transformational change. One of the answers was to propose the word Transition as a roadmap leading to the necessary level of change. A Transition is a passage from one stable regime to another, with a step that is neither instantaneous nor dangerous, like a Revolution, but is fast enough, anyway. The first Transition in the 2010s was the Energy Transition, i.e. a move towards less fossil fuels and more renewables. It started everywhere more or less at the same time, but Germany and its Energiewende was among the first contenders. The implicit objective was as much to control excessive anthropogenic GHG emissions as it was to possibly start a new period of growth based on green technologies. Very soon, however, the Fukushima disaster convinced Mrs. Merkel to change tack and veer towards “zero nuclear power”, thus aligning with the program of the Green movements. At that point, the Energiewende had become a complex, multi-objectives program for change, not a simple Transition as described at the onset of the paper. The rest of the world turned to Globish and spoke of the Energy Transition (EnT). Each country added a layer of complexity to its own version of the EnT and told a series of narratives, quite different from each other. This is analyzed in the present article on the basis of the documents prepared by the “energy-community”, which assembles hard scientists and economists, a group that the soft scientists of SSH call STEM. EnT, in its most recent and mature version, hardly speaks of energy any more but of GHG emissions. Therefore, EnT drifted towards the expression Ecological Transition (EcT). Both expressions are almost synonymous today. From then on, myriads similar expressions sprang up: Environmental Transition, Demographic, Epidemiological and Environmental Risk Transition, Societal Transitions, Global Transitions, Economic Transition, Sustainability Transition, Socio-Ecological Transitions, Technology Transitions, Nutrition Transition, Agro-Ecological Transition, Digital Transition, Sanitary Transition as well as various practices like Energy Democracy or Theory of Transition. Focusing only on EnT and EcT, a first step consists in comparing energy technologies from the standpoint of their impact on public health: thus, coal is 2 or 3 orders of magnitude worse than renewable energy, not to speak of nuclear. A second step looks at the materials requirement of Renewables, what has been called the materials paradox. They are more materials-intensive and also call on much larger TMRs (Total Materials Requirement). On the other hand, the matter of critical materials has been blown out of proportion and is probably less out of control than initially depicted. A third step is accomplished by Historians, who show that History is full of energy transitions, which did not always go in one direction and did not always match the storytelling of progress that the present EnT is heavily relying on. Moreover, they flatly reject the long-term storytelling of History depicted as a continuous string of energy transitions, from biomass, to coal, oil, gas, nuclear and nowadays renewables. Just as interesting is the opinion of the Energy-SSH community. They complain that the organizations that control research funds and decision makers listen mainly to the STEM-energy community rather than to them. And they go on to explain, sometimes demonstrate, that this restricts the perspective, over-focuses on certain technologies and confines SSH to an ancillary role in support of projects, the strategy of which is decided without their input: the keyword is asymmetry of information, which therefore leads to distortion of decision-making. They also stress the need for a plurality of views and interpretations, a possible solution to the societal deadlocks often encountered in Europe. As important and strategic as energy issues are in our present world, the hubris of both STEM and SSH communities may be excessive. Some level of success in making them work together may be a way to resolve this situation!

A Changing Dynamic: The Need for Collaboration on Talent Development and Climate Change in the E&P Industry

2007 ◽  
Vol 01 (03) ◽  
pp. 05-10
Author(s):  
_ Talent & Technology
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Talent Development ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Critical Issues

Feature - In late June, 2007 SPE President Abdul-Jaleel Al-Khalifa hosted an executive industry wide summit with 75 global leaders to advance cross-sector collaboration on two critical issues facing the oil and gas industry. Talent scarcity has been a pressing and recurring item on company agendas for several years. On the technology front, the heightened focus on climate change and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuels is expected to influence many areas including media, legislation, and policymaking. The oil and gas industry has been actively involved in various technology projects to promote carbon sequestration. The summit provided a venue to frame and boost an industry position on this critical and widely publicized subject.

An Assessment of Mechanical Properties of A508-3 Steel Used in Chinese Nuclear Reactor Vessels

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meifang Yu ◽  
Zhen Luo ◽  
Y. J. Chao
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
Made In China ◽  
Phase Out

China has very ambitious goals of expanding its commercial nuclear power by 30 Giga-Watts within the decade and wishes to phase out fossil fuels emissions by 40–45% by 2020 (from 2005 levels). With over 50 new nuclear power plants under construction or planned and a design life of 60 years, any discussions on structural integrity become very timely. Although China adopted its nuclear technology from France or US at present time, e.g. AP1000 of Westinghouse, the construction materials are primarily “Made in China”. Among all issues, both the accumulation of the knowledge base of the materials and structures used for the power plant and the technical capability of engineering personnel are imminent. This paper attempts to compile and assess the mechanical properties, Charpy V-notch impact energy, and fracture toughness of A508-3 steel used in Chinese nuclear reactor vessels. All data are collected from open literature and by no means complete. However, it provides a glimpse into how this domestically produced steel compares with western reactor vessel steels such as US A533B and Euro 20MnMoNi55.

An Assessment of Mechanical Properties of A508-3 Steel Used in Chinese Nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessels

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meifang Yu ◽  
Y. J. Chao ◽  
Zhen Luo
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
Reactor Pressure

China has very ambitious goals of expanding its commercial nuclear power by 30 GW within the decade and wishes to phase out fossil fuels emissions by 40–45% by 2020 (from 2005 levels). With over 50 new nuclear power plants under construction or planned and a design life of 60 years, any discussions on structural integrity become very timely. Although China adopted its nuclear technology from France or USA at present time, e.g., AP1000 of Westinghouse, the construction materials are primarily “Made in China.” Among all issues, both the accumulation of the knowledge base of the materials and structures used for the power plant and the technical capability of engineering personnel are imminent. This paper attempts to compile and assess the mechanical properties, Charpy V-notch impact energy, and fracture toughness of A508-3 steel used in Chinese nuclear reactor pressure vessels (RPVs). All data are collected from open literature and by no means complete. However, it provides a glimpse into how this domestically produced steel compares with western RPV steels such as USA A533B and Euro 20MnMoNi55.

scholarly journals Recent Advancements in Technical Design and Thermal Performance Enhancement of Solar Greenhouse Dryers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7025
Author(s):  
Shiva Gorjian ◽  
Behnam Hosseingholilou ◽  
Laxmikant D. Jathar ◽  
Haniyeh Samadi ◽  
Samiran Samanta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Hybrid Configuration ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits

The food industry is responsible for supplying the food demand of the ever-increasing global population. The food chain is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and global food waste accounts for one-third of produced food. A solution to this problem is preserving crops, vegetables, and fruits with the help of an ancient method of sun drying. For drying agricultural and marine products, several types of dryers are also being developed. However, they require a large amount of energy supplied conventionally from pollutant energy sources. The environmental concerns and depletion risks of fossil fuels persuade researchers and developers to seek alternative solutions. To perform drying applications, sustainable solar power may be effective because it is highly accessible in most regions of the world. Greenhouse dryers (GHDs) are simple facilities that can provide large capacities for drying agricultural products. This study reviews the integration of GHDs with different solar technologies, including photovoltaic (PV), photovoltaic-thermal (PVT), and solar thermal collectors. Additionally, the integration of solar-assisted greenhouse dryers (SGHDs) with heat pumps and thermal energy storage (TES) units, as well as their hybrid configuration considering integration with other renewable energy sources, is investigated to improve their thermal performance. In this regard, this review presents and discusses the most recent advances in this field. Additionally, the economic analysis of SGHDs is presented as a key factor to make these sustainable facilities commercially available.

scholarly journals A Comeback of Wind Power in Shipping: An Economic and Operational Review on the Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1880
Author(s):  
Todd Chou ◽  
Vasileios Kosmas ◽  
Michele Acciaro ◽  
Katharina Renken
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Ship Propulsion ◽  
Fuel Savings ◽  
Technological Growth ◽  
The Status ◽  
Promising Solution

Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technology seems to be a promising solution toward accelerating the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts as it uses wind to replace part of the propulsive power generated from fossil fuels. This article discusses the status quo of the WASP technological growth within the maritime transport sector by means of a secondary data review analysis, presents the potential fuel-saving implications, and identifies key factors that shape the operational efficiency of the technology. The analysis reveals three key considerations. Firstly, despite the existing limited number of WASP installations, there is a promising trend of diffusion of the technology within the industry. Secondly, companies can achieve fuel savings, which vary depending on the technology installed. Thirdly, these bunker savings are influenced by environmental, on-board, and commercial factors, which presents both opportunities and challenges to decision makers.

scholarly journals Tourism, Transport and Climate Change: The Carbon Footprint of International Air Traffic on Islands

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1795
Author(s):  
Pedro Dorta Antequera ◽  
Jaime Díaz Pacheco ◽  
Abel López Díez ◽  
Celia Bethencourt Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Canary Islands ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Air Transport ◽  
Small Islands ◽  
The World

Many small islands base their economy on tourism. This activity, based to a large extent on the movement of millions of people by air transport, depends on the use of fossil fuels and, therefore, generates a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this work, these emissions are evaluated by means of various carbon calculators, taking the Canary Islands as an example, which is one of the most highly developed tourist archipelagos in the world. The result is that more than 6.4 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 are produced per year exclusively due to the massive transport of tourists over an average distance of more than 3000 km. The relative weight of these emissions is of such magnitude that they are equivalent to more than 50% of the total amount produced by the socioeconomic activity of the archipelago. Although, individually, it is travelers from Russia and Nordic countries who generate the highest carbon footprint due to their greater traveling distance, the British and German tourists account for the greatest weight in the total, with two-thirds of emissions.

scholarly journals Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Steam Condensation on Nuclear Containment Wall Surfaces Based on Semiempirical Generalized Correlations

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavan K. Sharma ◽  
B. Gera ◽  
R. K. Singh ◽  
K. K. Vaze
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Steam Condensation ◽  
Noncondensable Gases ◽  
Nuclear Containment ◽  
Design Basis ◽  
Lumped Parameter ◽  
Transport Calculation

In water-cooled nuclear power reactors, significant quantities of steam and hydrogen could be produced within the primary containment following the postulated design basis accidents (DBA) or beyond design basis accidents (BDBA). For accurate calculation of the temperature/pressure rise and hydrogen transport calculation in nuclear reactor containment due to such scenarios, wall condensation heat transfer coefficient (HTC) is used. In the present work, the adaptation of a commercial CFD code with the implementation of models for steam condensation on wall surfaces in presence of noncondensable gases is explained. Steam condensation has been modeled using the empirical average HTC, which was originally developed to be used for “lumped-parameter” (volume-averaged) modeling of steam condensation in the presence of noncondensable gases. The present paper suggests a generalized HTC based on curve fitting of most of the reported semiempirical condensation models, which are valid for specific wall conditions. The present methodology has been validated against limited reported experimental data from the COPAIN experimental facility. This is the first step towards the CFD-based generalized analysis procedure for condensation modeling applicable for containment wall surfaces that is being evolved further for specific wall surfaces within the multicompartment containment atmosphere.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document