The energy source :nuclear power plant

Some facts about nuclear power plant

1. The Energy source Nuclear Power Plant 1

2. What is Nuclear Energy? Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus of an  atom. . At the core of each  atom there are two types of particles ( neutrons and protons) that are held together. Nuclear energy is the energy that holds neutrons  and protons. 2

3. 3 Nuclear Fusion and Fission Nuclear Fusion Small nuclei into large Immense temperature and pressure Core of stars Nuclear Fission Large nuclei into small Critical mass to sustain Two isotopes we use

4. THE SOURCE: FISSION Fission is the splitting of a nucleus into two or more separate nuclei of comparable mass One neutron interacts with one “fissionable” nucleus (Uranium for example) Results are: Fission Products – Two heavy nuclides One heavier than the other (Average ratio of ~ 2 : 3 ) Neutrons – 2.43 on average emitted / fission Important that more neutrons are produced than are used to cause one fission 4

5. THE SOURCE: FISSION 5

6. 6 Uranium Uranium is a very heavy metal which can be used as an  abundant source of concentrated energy . Uranium was  discovered in 1789  by Martin Klaproth

7. Uranium Mining There are three main methods: Underground mining Open pit mining In Situ Leaching (ISL) 7

8. In Situ Leaching Wells are drilled into aquifers, the water is removed, and a solvent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is pumped in The peroxide dissolves the uranium, and the solution is pumped back up An ion exchange system causes the uranium to precipitate in the form of UO 4 2H 2 O (uranium peroxide) 8

9. In Situ Leaching 9

10. ISL has its woes Ground water supply has radioactive residues (mostly radon) There are ISL mines in Texas, Wyoming, and Nebraska that share the same aquifers as residents 10

11. From Where Does It Come? 11 Australia has 30% of the world’s uranium below its topsoil, and it is all for export Canada (mostly Saskatchewan) is the next largest source The True North, strong and free, has 20% of the world’s supply

12. Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Power plants use heat to produce electricity. Nuclear energy produces electricity from heat through a process called fission . Nuclear power plants use the heat produced by fission of certain atoms . 12

13. NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ARE THE PRODUCT OF: Nuclear Engineers Mechanical Engineers Electrical Engineers Civil Engineers Human Factors Experts Computer Engineers/Scientists Etc. 13

14. How it work? There are two types Boiling Water Reactor Pressurized-Water Reactor 3/9/2017 14

15. Pressurized-Water Reactor 3/9/2017 15

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17. Boiling Water Reactor 17

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19. Working Process Conclusion 19

20. Safety Public remains wary of nuclear power due to Chernobyl and three mile island accidents Nuclear plants vulnerable to terrorist attacks Safer, more efficient, and more secure plants planned for the future 20

21. WASTE DISPOSAL A concern to many people Used (spent) nuclear fuel consists of ceramic pellets encased in metal tubes Current solution: On-site storage at NPPs 21

22. DRY STORAGE IN CASKS ON SITE 22

23. WASTE STORAGE At this time, radioactive wastes are being stored at the Department of Energy’s facilities around the country High level wastes are stored in underground carbon or stainless steel tanks Spent nuclear fuel is put in above-ground dry storage facilities and in water-filled pools Yucca Mountain: one site for high-level radioactive waste makes it easy to monitor, regulate, and secure 23

24. 24 Yucca Mountain Storage sites becoming full, waste may be transported to Yucca Mountain Located on government land, about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas in the Nevada desert

25. Problems with Yucca Mountain The nuclear waste currently sitting around is enough to fill the repository Danger to the public with the transportation of the waste to yucca mountain Possible health risks to those living near Yucca Mountain 25

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27. 27 At right is a map of the Yucca Mountain site The area within the dotted line is the burial site Two faults run directly through the site

28. Top 10 Nuclear Generating Countries, 2016 28

29. 3/9/2017 29

30. Advantages of Nuclear Power Clean Plentiful Supply High energy content in uranium Small fuel pellet Can provide base load power Energy savings in transportation Operating cost is low after construction 3/9/2017 30

31. Drawbacks to Using Nuclear Power Initial construction costs Radioactive waste byproduct Storage Natural disasters Public perception 3/9/2017 31

32. Uses of Energy Sources 32

33. 33 References www.need.org https:// whatisnuclear.com/articles/nucenergy.html http://ansnuclearcafe.org/2011/05/17/nuclear-reactor-wall-chart-electronic-library / Brookheaven national Lab Etc…