Potential of Small Nuclear Reactors for Future Clean and Safe Energy Sources

Potential of Small Nuclear Reactors for Future Clean and Safe Energy Sources
Author: Hiroshi Sekimoto
Publisher: Elsevier Publishing Company
Total Pages: 430
Release: 1992
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

To cope with the various kinds of energy demands expected in the 21st century, it is necessary to explore the potential of small nuclear reactors and to find a way of promoting their introduction into society. The constitution of the self-consistent nuclear energy system, is the main goal of current research activities. These activities can be understood by realizing that the nuclear community is facing the turning point for its survival in the 21st century. Self-consistency can be manifested by investigating and developing the potential advantages of the nuclear fission reaction and lessening the potential disadvantages. The 40 contributions in this volume discuss the concepts of various small reactors, applications of small reactors, and consistency with conventional energy supply systems. The book will prove an invaluable update and guide for all those interested in the progress and trends for small reactor developments in various organizations.

Small Modular Reactors

Small Modular Reactors
Author: Daniel T Ingersoll
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2015-11-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0081002688

There is currently significant interest in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) for the generation of both electricity and process heat. SMRs offer potential benefits in terms of better affordability and enhanced safety, and can also be sited more flexibly than traditional nuclear plants. Small Modular Reactors: Nuclear Power Fad or Future? reviews SMR features, promises, and problems, also discussing what lies ahead for reactors of this type. The book is organized into three major parts with the first part focused on the role of energy, especially nuclear energy, for global development. It also provides a brief history of SMRs. The second major part presents basic nuclear power plant terminology and then discusses in depth the attributes of SMRs that distinguish them from traditional nuclear plants. The third and final major section discusses the current interest in SMRs from a customer's perspective and delineates several remaining hurdles that must be addressed to achieve wide-spread SMR deployment. - Provides decision-makers in governments, business, and research with the needed background on small nuclear power and an overview of the current situation - Presents a balanced discussion of the many advantages of SMRs and the challenges they face - Written by a highly respected expert in the nuclear industry

Advanced Smaller Modular Reactors

Advanced Smaller Modular Reactors
Author: Bahman Zohuri
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 231
Release: 2019-08-10
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 303023682X

This book discusses advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a way to provide safe, clean, and affordable nuclear power options. The advanced SMRs currently under development in the U.S. represent a variety of sizes, technology options and deployment scenarios. These advanced reactors, envisioned to vary in size from a couple megawatts up to hundreds of megawatts can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination, or other industrial uses. In-depth chapters describe how advanced SMRs offer multiple advantages, such as relatively small size, reduced capital investment, location flexibility, and provisions for incremental power additions. SMRs also offer distinct safeguards, security and nonproliferation advantages. The authors present a thorough examination of the technology and defend methods by which the new generation of nuclear power plants known as GEN-IV can safely be used as an efficient source of renewable energy. Provides a unique and innovative approach to the implementation of Small Modular Reactor as part of GEN-IV technology; Discusses how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can deliver a viable alternative to Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs); Presents an argument defending the need for nuclear power plant as a source of energy, its efficiency and cost effectiveness, as well as safety related issues.

Small Modular Reactors as Renewable Energy Sources

Small Modular Reactors as Renewable Energy Sources
Author: Bahman Zohuri
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 306
Release: 2018-06-18
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319925946

This book highlights Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a viable alternative to the Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), which have been used as desalination plant energy sources. SMRs have lower investment costs, inherent safety features, and increased availability compared to NPPs. The unique and innovative approach to implementation of SMRs as part of Gen-IV technology outlined in this book contributes to the application of nuclear power as a supplementary source to renewable energy. Discusses Gen-IV Power plants, their efficiency, cost effectiveness, safety, and methods to supply renewable energy; Presents Small Modular Reactors as a viable alternative to Nuclear Power Plants; Describes the benefits, uses, safety features, and challenges related to implementation of Small Modular Reactors.

Small Modular Reactors for Electricity Generation

Small Modular Reactors for Electricity Generation
Author: Jorge Morales Pedraza
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 283
Release: 2017-03-11
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319522167

As a flexible, cost-effective energy alternative to large scale nuclear power reactors, this book examines the potential future use of small modular reactors for the generation of electricity in different regions. Exploring advanced nuclear technologies, chapters describe the current situation and perspective of the small modular reactors market (SMRs) in different regions around the word, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. Particular attention is paid to the benefits of using these types of reactors for the generation of electricity, discussing their efficiency and reduced construction time, as well as exploring the main difficulties encountered in the development stage. Looking at the potential dangers that SMRs pose to the environment and population, the text presents the new safety measures that have been adopted in SMRs design to reduce future risk.

The Power of Change

The Power of Change
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2016-09-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309371422

Electricity, supplied reliably and affordably, is foundational to the U.S. economy and is utterly indispensable to modern society. However, emissions resulting from many forms of electricity generation create environmental risks that could have significant negative economic, security, and human health consequences. Large-scale installation of cleaner power generation has been generally hampered because greener technologies are more expensive than the technologies that currently produce most of our power. Rather than trade affordability and reliability for low emissions, is there a way to balance all three? The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies considers how to speed up innovations that would dramatically improve the performance and lower the cost of currently available technologies while also developing new advanced cleaner energy technologies. According to this report, there is an opportunity for the United States to continue to lead in the pursuit of increasingly clean, more efficient electricity through innovation in advanced technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies makes the case that America's advantagesâ€"world-class universities and national laboratories, a vibrant private sector, and innovative states, cities, and regions that are free to experiment with a variety of public policy approachesâ€"position the United States to create and lead a new clean energy revolution. This study focuses on five paths to accelerate the market adoption of increasing clean energy and efficiency technologies: (1) expanding the portfolio of cleaner energy technology options; (2) leveraging the advantages of energy efficiency; (3) facilitating the development of increasing clean technologies, including renewables, nuclear, and cleaner fossil; (4) improving the existing technologies, systems, and infrastructure; and (5) leveling the playing field for cleaner energy technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies is a call for leadership to transform the United States energy sector in order to both mitigate the risks of greenhouse gas and other pollutants and to spur future economic growth. This study's focus on science, technology, and economic policy makes it a valuable resource to guide support that produces innovation to meet energy challenges now and for the future.

Small Modular Reactors

Small Modular Reactors
Author: NEA.
Publisher:
Total Pages: 71
Release: 2016
Genre: Nuclear energy
ISBN: 9789264266865

Recent interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) is being driven by a desire to reduce the total capital costs associated with nuclear power plants and to provide power to small grid systems. According to estimates available today, if all the competitive advantages of SMRs were realised, including serial production, optimised supply chains and smaller financing costs, SMRs could be expected to have lower absolute and specific (per-kWe) construction costs than large reactors. Although the economic parameters of SMRs are not yet fully determined, a potential market exists for this technology, particularly in energy mixes with large shares of renewables. This report assesses the size of the market for SMRs that are currently being developed and that have the potential to broaden the ways of deploying nuclear power in different parts of the world. The study focuses on light water SMRs that are expected to be constructed in the coming decades and that strongly rely on serial, factory-based production of reactor modules. In a high-case scenario, up to 21 GWe of SMRs could be added globally by 2035, representing approximately 3% of total installed nuclear capacity.

Handbook of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Handbook of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Author: Daniel T. Ingersoll
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 450
Release: 2014-09-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0857098535

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are an advanced, safe type of nuclear reactor technology that are suitable for small and medium sized applications including both power and heat generation. In particular, their use as individual units or in combination to scale-up capacity offer benefits in terms of siting, installation, operation, lifecycle and economics in comparison to the development of larger nuclear plant for centralised electricity power grids. Interest has increased in the research and development of SMRs for both developing countries as well as such additional cogeneration options as industrial/chemical process heat, desalination and district heating, and hydrogen production. This book reviews key issues in their development as well as international R&D in the field. - Gives an overview of small modular reactor technology - Reviews the design characteristics of integral pressurized water reactors and focuses on reactor core and fuel technologies, key reactor system components, instrumentation and control, human-system interfaces and safety - Considers the economics, financing, licensing, construction methods and hybrid energy systems of small modular reactors - Describes SMR development activities worldwide, and concludes with a discussion of how SMR deployment can contribute to the growth of developing countries

Nuclear Power and Sustainable Development

Nuclear Power and Sustainable Development
Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2016
Genre: Nuclear agency
ISBN: 9789201070166

Transforming the energy system is at the core of the dedicated sustainable development goal on energy within the new United Nations development agenda. This publication explores the possible contribution of nuclear energy to addressing the issues of sustainable development through a large selection of indicators. It reviews the characteristics of nuclear power in comparison with alternative sources of electricity supply, according to economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability. The findings summarized in this publication will help the reader to consider, or reconsider, the contribution that can be made by the development and operation of nuclear power plants in contributing to more sustainable energy systems.

The Nuclear Power Puzzle

The Nuclear Power Puzzle
Author: Charles Nehme
Publisher: Independently Published
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2024-01-30
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Nuclear power, a term that evokes both fascination and apprehension, stands at the forefront of energy discussions today. While it holds the potential to provide a clean, abundant, and reliable source of electricity, it is also burdened with a legacy of safety concerns and public distrust. This book aims to delve into the intricate world of nuclear power, exploring its scientific underpinnings, technological advancements, societal implications, and future prospects. Our journey begins by delving into the fundamental principles of nuclear physics, unraveling the mysteries of nuclear reactions and nuclear fission, the process that powers nuclear reactors. We will trace the historical trajectory of nuclear power, from its early inception to its current global status, highlighting the key milestones and controversies that shaped its development. Next, we will delve into the intricacies of the nuclear fuel cycle, tracing the path of uranium from mining to its final resting place as radioactive waste. We will explore the different types of nuclear reactors, from the widely used light water reactors to the more advanced concepts such as molten salt reactors and fast neutron reactors. We will then embark on an in-depth analysis of nuclear power production and economics, examining the processes involved in converting nuclear energy into electricity and the economic factors that drive nuclear power plant investment. We will compare the economics of nuclear power to other energy sources, assessing its competitiveness in the global energy market. The safety and environmental impacts of nuclear power will come under scrutiny, as we explore the risks associated with reactor accidents, radioactive waste disposal, and air and water emissions. We will examine the measures taken to mitigate these risks and minimize the environmental footprint of nuclear power. The social dimensions of nuclear power will be explored in depth, delving into the public perception of this technology, the challenges of building public trust, and the role of government policies and regulations in shaping public attitudes. We will examine the ethical dilemmas surrounding nuclear power, including the potential for weaponization and the implications of nuclear proliferation. Finally, we will cast a forward-looking gaze, assessing the current status and future trends of nuclear power deployment. We will examine the potential of nuclear power to address the challenges of climate change and energy security, exploring emerging technologies such as small modular reactors, thorium-based reactors, and fusion energy. We will conclude by considering the ethical and social implications of the future of nuclear power, as it navigates a world of heightened environmental concerns and growing energy demands. This book is not intended to provide a definitive answer to the complex questions surrounding nuclear power. Instead, it aims to foster a deeper understanding of this technology, its strengths and weaknesses, and its potential role in shaping our energy future. By unraveling the science, technology, and society of nuclear energy, we can engage in informed discussions about its merits and challenges, paving the way for a more informed and responsible approach to this powerful source of energy.