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Nuclear Energy Technology: Present and Future

Explore the evolution of nuclear energy technology from its basics to future advancements. Learn about current generation reactors and upcoming Generation IV technologies, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

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Nuclear Energy Technology: Present and Future

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  1. Nuclear Energy Technology: Present and Future Grant T. Offord Energy Technology Presentation The University of Texas at Austin November 20, 2007

  2. Outline • Why Nuclear Energy? • Basics • Technology • Present • Future • Conclusions Image courtesy 20th Century Fox

  3. Why Nuclear Energy? • Vast Fuel Supply • Breeder reactors • Seawater extraction • Benign Operation • Plant safety • Environment • Base Load Generation • Capacity factor > 90% Image courtesy Flyingpanther Photography

  4. Reactor Types • Thermal Reactors • 3-4% U-235 Fuel • Moderator • Water coolant • Fast Reactors • Fissile fuels • Unmoderated • Liquid metal coolant Illustration courtesy GSU HyperPhysics

  5. Fuel Cycle Illustration courtesy UIC

  6. Current Technology (Generation III+) • PWR • AP1000 (APWR) • EPR • BWR • ESBWR Illustrations courtesy Wikipedia

  7. Future Technology (Generation IV) • SCWR • Thermal Reactor • Efficiency: 45% • GFR • Fast Reactor • Actinide management • On-site reprocessing Depictions courtesy Idaho National Laboratory

  8. Conclusions • It’s necessary. • It’s safe. • It’s for the long run. Image courtesy The Middle East Interest

  9. References Cohen, B. L. “Breeder reactors: A renewable energy source,” Am. J. Phys. 51(1), Jan. 1983 EIA, “World Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 1990-2025,” 2004 Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org Uranium Information Centre, “The Nuclear Fuel Cycle,” http://www.uic.com.au/nfc.htm HyperPhysics, “U-235 Fission,” http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu G. Vanderheyden, “New Nuclear Plants: A New Model,” UniStar Nuclear Presentation, 2006 Diamond, “Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems,” Brookhaven Nat’l Lab Presentation, 2003

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