Abstract
Overview
Introduction
Nuclear generation technology is varied, with significantly different designs
marketed marketed by energy and industrial commpanies around the world.
Nevertheless, designs based on pressurized water as a coolant and moderator
for the nuclear reaction have emerged as a clear winner, and the basis for
third generation technological development.
Scope
- A layman' s overview of the process of nuclear fission.
- A description of the main nuclear generation technologies in operation
around the world.
- A review of third generation nuclear technologies, the companies that
develop them, and their certification and operational status.
- An analysis of nuclear capacity utilization and the technological focus of
new build globally.
Report Highlights
Water, while acting as a moderator to slow neutrons and facilitate reaction
with uranium-235, also serves as an effective medium for the transfer of heat
from reactor cores to turbines. As a result, water is the most common
moderator in use today. Water also, however, absorbs neutrons. Enriched
uranium must therefore be used as fissile material.
Third generation designs build in passive safety systems, meaning that in the
event of a reactor incident the plant is capable of controlling or containing
the incident without manual intervention and the use of mechanical systems.
The fuel elements in a High-temperature Gas-cooled Reactor design are composed
of tennis ball-sized spheres of uranium oxide encased in graphite. These
' pebbles' form the reactor core. The major innovation of HTGRs is the ability
of the reactor core to remain safe even in the event of a total failure of the
cooling system.
Reasons to Purchase
- Understand the basis for nuclear fission, why multiple nuclear generation
designs exist and their advantages and disadvantages.
- Understand which companies are producing which types of reactors.
- Gain insight into third generation technologies and what makes them
different.
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