B4992 - "Nuclear Power Plants for Sustainaibility T"

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with a general understanding of electronuclear power plant for the power generation on an industrial scale, and in particular of boiling water reactors (BWR) and pressurized water reactors (PWR) power plants of the different generations. Upon completion of the course, the student acquires the basic knowledge regarding the operation of nuclear power plants, with special reference to their thermo-hydraulics, safety and risk analysis, and environmental impact.

Course contents

The course aims to frame the development of new nuclear plants within the context of the energy transition, highlighting the key role that nuclear energy can play in promoting sustainable development.

The course will delve into the fundamental concepts of integral sustainability and the decarbonization process of the global energy system, with a particular focus on the renewed interest in nuclear energy in Europe.

It will analyze the main existing and emerging nuclear technologies, with special attention to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).

Specific attention will be dedicated to nuclear safety issues, from both deterministic and probabilistic perspectives, as well as to the environmental impacts associated with nuclear facilities.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired:

Competencies in sustainability applied to the energy and nuclear sectors;

• Technical knowledge related to nuclear plant engineering and emerging technologies (SMRs and AMRs);
• Risk analysis skills, with a particular focus on nuclear safety and environmental impact assessment.
  

  Contents

  What Are Sustainable Development and Integral Sustainability

  From the Limits to Growth to Sustainable Development: Integral sustainability; the shift in European, Italian, and Emilia-Romagna region positions regarding nuclear energy use

  The Energy Transition: The dynamics of energy source substitution; decarbonization of the energy system

  The History of Nuclear Energy: A start that was too fast; a great future left behind? The opportunity for a future revival

  Architecture of Third-Generation Nuclear Plants

  Architecture of SMRs and AMRs

  Thermofluid Dynamics of the Reactor Core and Residual Heat Removal

  Risk Analysis, Safety, and Safety Culture: Some significant nuclear accidents

  Probabilistic vs. Deterministic Approaches: Elements of probability theory

  Qualitative Analysis and Its Tools (FMEA, OA, etc.)

  Quantitative Analysis and Its Tools (Block Analysis, Graph Analysis, Fault Trees, Event Trees, etc.)

  Environmental Impact of a Nuclear Reactor

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes

R.L. Murray, K. E.Holbert, Nuclear Energy, BH (2020)

J.R. La Marsh, A.J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, Prentice (2001)

J.C.Lee, N.J. McCormick, Risk and Safety Analysis of Nuclear Systems, Wiley (2011)

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises, expert seminars.

Assessment methods

Intermediate learning tests and final written test.

Additional oral test on request

Teaching tools

Ilustrative videos of risk and accident situations


Software tools

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Vestrucci

See the website of Giorgio Bornia