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Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear Power Plants. Topic: Environment Student: Natalia Torres ESL-5 Instructor: Lyra Riabov. Outline. Introduction Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) are alternative ways to produce electricity

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Nuclear Power Plants

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  1. Nuclear Power Plants Topic: Environment Student: Natalia Torres ESL-5 Instructor: Lyra Riabov

  2. Outline Introduction Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) are alternative ways to produce electricity Roots of nuclear Power and Principles of structure of the NPP Potential Problems Suggested solutions Conclusion

  3. Roots of Nuclear Power The Industrial Revolution. First nuclear chain reaction (Enrico Fermi,1942). First large scale nuclear reactors were built in 1944 (US, Hanford Washington). Enriched uranium started to be available.

  4. How does a NPP produce electricity?

  5. Potential Problems Mining and purifying uranium. Improperly functioning nuclear power plants. Spent fuel from nuclear power plants is toxic and not safe. Transporting nuclear fuel poses some risk.

  6. Early consequences Environmental consequences Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

  7. The chain reaction in the reactor became out of control creating explosions and a fireball which blew off the reactor’s heavy steel and concrete lid. Radioactive material released. The immediate results consisted of 31 deaths. Within 48 hours after the accident those living within 10 km of the Chernobyl station, including the town of Pripyat, were evacuated. Early consequences

  8. The effects have been felt all over the northern hemisphere. Lethal doses: possibility of long term genetic effects (coniferous trees and small mammals). Environmental Consequences

  9. Causes Implications The Three Island Nuclear Power Plant Accident

  10. “Most of the radioactivity you are normally exposed to is from natural sources.” Radioactive Materials

  11. Myths and facts about Nuclear Power Plants. Current situation: 17% of global electricity is generated by some 440 nuclear power reactors in 32 countries. 36 units under construction in 14 countries. Effects on the life globally and in the United States

  12. Nuclear share of electricity: more than 20% in 19 countries. • Western Europe: 33% (France: 77%, Belgium: 57%, Sweden: 52%). • Five largest producers: USA, France, Japan, Germany and the Russian Federation.

  13. Generalizations: Cell mutation and Fatal dose (600 R). Acute Somatic Effects: Acute radio dermatitis. Delayed Somatic effects: Cancer, leukemia, cataracts, life shortening from organ failure (not directly observed in man), and abortion. Health Effects

  14. Genetic Effects. • Critical Organs: Lymphocytes, bone marrow, gastro-intestinal, gonads, and other fast-growing cells. The central nervous system is resistant.

  15. Suggested solutions • Nuclear Power and Sustainability. • Renewable sources of Energy. • The debate

  16. References http://www.chernobyl.co.uk/ http://www.soton.ac.uk/ http://encarta.msn.com http://www.nucleartourist.com/ http://www.nirs.org http://www.rnw.nl/science/html/chernobyl010425.html

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