REPRESENTED BY

 *Siddesh M K
 *Suhas J V
 *Suraj Sajji
 *Udaya kumar N S
 WHAT IS NUCLEAR ENERGY?

❖Nuclear energy is the power released during nuclear reactions, either

through nuclear fission or fusion. In fission, the nucleus of an atom splits,
emitting large amounts of energy used to generate electricity. Fusion, on the
other hand, involves merging atomic nuclei to release even more energy,
though it's yet to be harnessed efficiently. This energy source boasts high
energy density and low carbon emissions but faces challenges including
safety concerns, nuclear waste management, and costliness.
 TWO WAYS TO OBTAIN NUCLEAR ENERGY

1.Nuclear fission
2.Nuclear fusion

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.

 NUCLEAR FISSION

Nuclear fission involves the splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom,

like uranium or plutonium, into smaller fragments when bombarded
by neutrons. This process releases a significant amount of energy,
which can be harnessed for various purposes. In nuclear power plants,
controlled fission reactions produce heat that is used to generate
electricity through turbines. Conversely, in nuclear weapons,
uncontrolled fission reactions result in explosive releases of energy.
 NUCLEAR FUSION

 Nuclear fusion involves the merging of two light atomic nuclei to

form a heavier nucleus, liberating a substantial amount of energy.
This process, akin to what powers the sun and stars, offers promise
as a clean and virtually limitless energy source here on Earth.
However, achieving controlled fusion reactions requires recreating
the extreme temperature and pressure conditions found in stars,
presenting significant technological challenges yet to be fully
surmounted.
 DIFFRENCE BETWEEN NUCLEAR
FISSION&FUSION

 FISSION
 Process: Heavy atomic nuclei split into lighter
nuclei when bombarded by neutrons.
 Energy Release: Energy is released during the
splitting of the nucleus.
 Reactants: Involves heavy atomic nuclei like
uranium or plutonium.
 Occurrence: Used in nuclear power plants and
nuclear weapons.
 Waste and Safety: Produces radioactive waste
and poses safety concerns .
 DIFFRENCE BETWEEN
NUCLEAR FISSION&FUSION
 FUSION
 Process: Light atomic nuclei combine to
form heavier nuclei.
 Energy Release: Energy is released during
the fusion process.
 Reactants: Involves light atomic nuclei like
deuterium and tritium.
 Occurrence: Powers stars like the sun.
 Potential: Offers promise as a clean and
abundant energy source on Earth but is
technologically challenging.
 TYPES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS

1.Boiling water reactor

2.Pressurized water reactor
3.Liquid metal cooled
4.Gas cooled
5.CANDU reactor
 BOILING WATER REACTOR(BWR)

 Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) generate electricity by boiling water with heat
produced from nuclear fission.
 They use ordinary water as both a coolant and neutron moderator, circulating it
through the reactor core.
 BWRs directly utilize steam produced in the reactor vessel to drive turbines,
simplifying the system design compared to Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs).
 Safety features include control rods, containment structures, and emergency
shutdown systems to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents
BOILING WATER REACTOR(BWR)
 PWR-PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR

 Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) use water as both coolant and moderator, kept under high
pressure to prevent boiling.
 Heat from nuclear fission is transferred to a secondary loop of water, producing steam to drive
turbines for electricity generation.
 Control rods regulate fission reactions, and containment systems ensure safety by preventing
the release of radioactive materials.
 Safety features include emergency core cooling systems and reactor shutdown mechanisms.
 PWRs utilize fuel assemblies containing enriched uranium dioxide pellets to sustain the nuclear
fission chain reaction.
 They are known for their efficiency in electricity generation and are widely used commercially
worldwide.
PWR-PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR
 LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTOR

 Liquid Metal Cooled Reactors (LMRs) use liquid metal, like sodium or lead, as both coolant
and moderator.
 They operate at high temperatures, potentially improving thermal efficiency for electricity
generation.
 LMRs have inherent safety features due to liquid metal coolants, such as lower pressure
operation.
 These reactors utilize a "fast neutron spectrum," allowing for efficient use of fertile
materials like depleted uranium.
 Challenges include material compatibility and corrosion issues with liquid metal coolants.
 Examples include the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) and BN-600 and BN-800
reactors using liquid sodium coolant.
 COOLANT PROPERTIES

 High Thermal Conductivity: Efficient heat transfer.

 Low Neutron Absorption: Minimized neutron losses.
 Chemical Stability: Prevents corrosion.
 High Boiling Point: Operation at elevated temperatures.
 Low Reactivity: Avoids chemical reactions.
 Compatibility: With structural materials.
 Radiation Resistance: Withstands radiation damage.
 Heat Capacity: Efficient thermal energy absorption.
 Safety: Inherent safety features, like low reactivity.
TYPES OF COOLANT USED

 Mercury
 Sodium and sodium potassium eutectic(NAK)
 Lead
 Lead-Bismuth eutectic
 Tin
 LIQUID METAL
COOLED
REACTOR

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.

GCR -GAS COOLED REACTOR

 Use gases like carbon dioxide or helium as coolants.

 Transfer heat to produce steam for electricity generation.
 Can operate at higher temperatures than water-cooled reactors.
 Offer inherent safety features due to low chemical reactivity.
 Some designs use the coolant gas as a neutron moderator.
 Use fuel assemblies containing enriched uranium dioxide or mixed uranium-plutonium
oxide fuel.
 Examples include Magnox reactors and Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs).
 Potential applications include electricity generation and industrial heat production.
 GCR -GAS
COOLED
REACTOR

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.

CANDU(CANADA DUTERIUM URANIUM)
REACTOR
 Developed in Canada, CANDU stands for Canada Deuterium Uranium.
 Uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as both moderator and coolant.
 Can utilize natural uranium as fuel, eliminating the need for enrichment.
 Features horizontal fuel channels or pressure tubes for fuel containment.
 Known for its online refueling capability, allowing for continuous operation.
 Has a proven safety record with redundant safety systems.
 Exported to various countries with customization options.
 Can also use slightly enriched uranium or thorium as fuel.
 Produces low greenhouse gas emissions but requires careful radioactive waste management.
 Considered a versatile and reliable nuclear reactor design.
CANDU REACTOR
COMPONENTS OF CANDU REACTOR

 Pressurized fuel tubes

 Fuel
 Core
 Generator
 Steam collector
 Pump
 Heat exchanger
 Steam turbines
 Condenser
 Cooling Water
COMPONENTS OF CANDU REACTOR
1.Pressurized fuel tubes
 These are the tubes, also known as
pressure tubes, where the fuel bundles
are housed. They are designed to
withstand high pressure and temperature
conditions within the reactor core while
containing the nuclear fuel material.
2.Fuel
 Fuel Channels: These are horizontal tubes or
pressure tubes where the fuel bundles are
inserted. Fuel channels provide a pathway for
coolant to flow through and around the fuel
bundles to remove heat generated during
nuclear reactions.
 Fuel Bundles: Fuel bundles contain the nuclear
fuel material, typically natural uranium dioxide
pellets, arranged within zirconium alloy tubes.
These bundles are inserted into the fuel channels
and undergo fission reactions to generate heat,
which is used to produce steam for electricity
generation.
 COMPONENTS OF CANDU REACTOR
3.Core
 The core of a CANDU reactor consists
of fuel channels/pressure tubes
containing fuel bundles, moderated by
heavy water. Control rods regulate
reactions, while coolant circulates to
remove heat. Steam generators convert
heat to electricity.
4.Generator
 his is the component where mechanical
energy, generated by the rotation of a
turbine, is converted into electrical
energy. In a CANDU reactor, steam
produced by the reactor's heat is directed
to drive a turbine connected to a
generator. As the turbine spins, it turns
the generator's rotor within a magnetic
field, producing electricity through
electromagnetic induction. This electricity
is then transmitted through power lines
for distribution to homes, businesses, and
industries.
COMPONENTS OF CANDU REACTOR

5.Steam Collector 6.Pump

 In a CANDU reactor, the steam collector is a  These pumps are responsible for circulating the
component within the steam generator system. Its heavy water coolant through the reactor core and
primary function is to gather and distribute the other primary loop components. The primary
steam produced by the steam generator. coolant absorbs heat from the nuclear reactions
occurring in the core and transfers it to the steam
 After steam is generated in the steam generator by generators. The pumps ensure that the coolant
transferring heat from the primary coolant loop flows smoothly and continuously through the
(which circulates through the reactor core), it rises reactor system, maintaining proper temperature
to the steam collector. The steam collector collects and pressure conditions for safe and efficient
the steam from multiple steam generator tubes and operation.
channels it to a common outlet. From there, the
high-pressure steam is directed to drive a turbine
connected to a generator, where it is used to
produce electricity.
 The steam collector plays a crucial role in efficiently
gathering the steam produced by the reactor's heat
and directing it to the turbine for electricity
generation.
 COMPONENTS OF CANDU REACTOR
7.Heat exchanger
 The steam generator in a CANDU reactor is a heat
exchanger that transfers heat from the primary
coolant loop (which circulates through the reactor
core) to a secondary loop containing water. The
heat causes the water in the secondary loop to
boil and produce steam. This high-pressure steam
is then directed to drive a turbine connected to a
generator, generating electricity. The cooled
water from the secondary loop is then returned to
the steam generator to repeat the cycle.
 Overall, heat exchangers like the steam generator
play a crucial role in converting the heat produced
by the reactor into usable energy for electricity
generation.
8.Steam turbine

In a CANDU reactor, steam turbines are
used to convert the heat produced by
nuclear fission into mechanical energy,
which is then transformed into electricity.
High-pressure steam generated from the
reactor's heat drives the turbine blades,
causing them to rotate and generate
electricity via a connected generator.
COMPONENTS OF CANDU REACTOR
9.Condenser
In a CANDU reactor, after the steam has
passed through the turbine, it enters a
condenser. The condenser cools the steam,
causing it to condense back into water. This
condensed water is then returned to the
secondary loop of the reactor to be
reheated and converted back into steam,
completing the cycle.
10.Cooling water
In a CANDU reactor, cooling water, typically
heavy water, absorbs heat from the nuclear
fission reactions in the core. This hot water
is circulated to heat exchangers, where it
transfers its heat to a secondary water
loop. The secondary loop may generate
steam to power turbines and produce
electricity. Finally, the cooled water is
recirculated back to the reactor core,
completing the cooling cycle.
CONTROL AND PROTECTION SYSTEM

 Reactivity Control: Utilizes control rods to regulate the rate of nuclear fission reactions by
absorbing neutrons.
 Shutdown Mechanism: Initiates reactor shutdown by fully inserting control rods into the
core in emergencies or for maintenance.
 Safety Systems: Includes emergency coolant injection systems and containment
structures to prevent overheating and release of radioactive materials.
 Monitoring and Instrumentation: Constantly monitors reactor parameters such as
temperature, pressure, and neutron flux to ensure safe operation.
 Emergency Response: Can activate shutdown procedures and safety measures in
response to abnormal conditions or malfunctions to prevent accidents and protect public
safety.
CANDU REACTOR
1.Advantages
 Safety Assurance: Ensures safe operation by monitoring and controlling reactor conditions.
 Reliability: Offers redundancy and robustness, minimizing the risk of accidents.
 Flexibility: Enables precise control over reactor power output to meet varying demand.

2.Disadvantages
 Complexity: Operation and maintenance can be intricate, requiring skilled personnel.
 Cost: Implementation and upkeep are expensive due to sophisticated technology and safety
standards.
 Space Requirement: Additional space is needed for housing control equipment, increasing the
facility's footprint.
CANDU REACTOR

Applications
 Reactor Control: Regulates the rate of nuclear reactions and adjusts reactor power output
to meet electricity demand.
 Safety Monitoring: Continuously monitors reactor parameters such as temperature,
pressure, and neutron flux to ensure safe operation.
 Emergency Shutdown: Initiates shutdown procedures in case of abnormalities or
emergencies, preventing overheating and core damage.
 Cooling System Control: Manages coolant flow to remove heat generated by nuclear
reactions, preventing core meltdown.
ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

1.Lower Greenhouse Emissions

Nuclear energy generates
electricity with very low
greenhouse gas emissions
compared to fossil fuels. This is
because nuclear power plants do
not burn fossil fuels, avoiding the
release of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere during electricity
generation.
ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

2.Powerful and Efficient

Nuclear energy is powerful and
efficient due to its high energy
density, stable operation, base
load capability, high thermal
efficiency, long operating
lifespan, and relatively low
operating costs once
operational.

.
 ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

3.Reliable

Nuclear energy is reliable due to its ability

to provide a steady and consistent source
of electricity. Nuclear power plants
operate continuously for extended
periods, contributing to grid stability and
ensuring a reliable electricity supply,
regardless of weather conditions or
.
fluctuations in demand.
ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

4.Cheap Electricity

Nuclear energy can offer relatively

cheap electricity once a plant is
operational due to low fuel costs
and high energy density. However,
initial construction costs are
typically high, and ongoing
regulatory compliance may also
contribute to overall expenses.
 ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

5.Low Fuel Cost

Nuclear energy boasts low fuel costs

compared to fossil fuels. Uranium, the
primary fuel for nuclear reactors, is
relatively inexpensive, and a small
amount can produce a significant amount
of electricity due to its high energy
density. This contributes to the overall
affordability of nuclear-generated
electricity once a plant is operational.
 ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

6.Supply

Nuclear energy provides a

reliable and steady supply of
electricity, operating
continuously for long periods as
a base load power source, which
ensures grid stability and
minimizes dependency on
external factors like weather
conditions. This Pho by Unknown author is licensed under
 ADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

7.Easy to Transport

Nuclear fuel, primarily uranium, is relatively easy to

transport compared to large quantities of fossil
fuels. Uranium ore is processed into fuel rods or
pellets, which are compact and have a high energy
density. This makes transportation more
manageable and lessens the logistical challenges
associated with delivering fuel to nuclear power
plants. Additionally, spent fuel can be safely
transported and managed according to established
protocols, further enhancing the ease of
transportation within the nuclear energy industry.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

1.Radioactive Waste
 Nuclear power generation
produces radioactive waste, which
remains hazardous for thousands
of years. Proper disposal and
management of this waste pose
significant challenges and raise
environmental concerns.
 DISADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

2.Raw Material
Nuclear power plants rely on a finite resource -
uranium - as fuel for generating electricity.
Although uranium is relatively abundant, its
extraction and processing can have environmental
impacts, and there are concerns about the long-
term availability of high-grade uranium ore.
Additionally, the enrichment process required to
produce nuclear fuel can be energy-intensive and
costly, adding to the overall environmental
footprint and economic considerations of nuclear
energy.
 DISADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

3.Nuclear Accidents

 Nuclear energy carries the risk of

accidents, which can lead to radiation
leaks, environmental contamination, and
health hazards. High-profile incidents like
Chernobyl and Fukushima illustrate the
potential catastrophic consequences,
including long-term health effects and
environmental damage.
 DISADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

4.Fuel Availability
Nuclear energy relies on uranium as fuel,
and while it is relatively abundant,
concerns exist regarding the long-term
availability of high-grade uranium ore.
Additionally, the process of extracting
and enriching uranium can be resource-
intensive and costly, posing challenges
for fuel availability in the future.

C.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

5.Non-Renewable Energy
Nuclear energy is non-renewable
because it relies on finite resources of
uranium for fuel. Once these
resources are depleted, they cannot
be easily replenished on a human
timescale. This contrasts with
renewable energy sources like solar
and wind, which rely on inexhaustible
natural phenomena for energy
generation.
 DISADVANTAGES OF USING NUCLEAR ENERGY

6.Hot Target for Militants

Nuclear power plants and facilities can be attractive
targets for terrorist attacks or sabotage due to the
potential for widespread devastation and disruption.
Concerns about the security of nuclear materials and
facilities persist, as successful attacks could lead to
radioactive releases, environmental contamination,
and significant public health risks. Maintaining
robust security measures and safeguarding nuclear
materials against theft or misuse is crucial to
mitigate this risk.
THANK YOU