Course detail

Nuclear Power and Alternative Energy Sources

FSI-LJE Acad. year: 2021/2022 Summer semester

Learning outcomes of the course unit The subject acquaints with basic laws of nuclear energy conversion from nuclear fission into thermal, mechanical and electrical energy and with the principal and concrete solutions of reactors and machinery of nuclear power plants. In addition, alternative energy sources (fuel cells, heat pumps) and supplementary transformation technologies (thermal absorption cycles) applicable in power systems are presented. Attention is also paid to possible ways of accumulation of electricity and heat.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Department

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Students learn calculation bases from field of nuclear and alternative energy sources. Students obtain overview knowledge about related technological instrumentation.

Prerequisites

Atom nucleus physics, thermomechanics, power stations heat circulation loops.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is taught through lectures explaining the basic principles and theory of the discipline. Exercises are focused on practical topics presented in lectures. Participation in the exercise is mandatory.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Credit: Active seminars attendance. Complete individual exercises and calculations.
Exam: Test of nuclear energetics principles knowledge, nuclear equipment knowledge, ensuring of nuclear safety knowledge.

Aims

This subject gives new informations about nuclear energy from nucleus fission to electic energy transformation to students. Alternative energy sources are introduced together with convenient technology for their utilizing.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Lecture attendance is not obligatory.
Credit attendance is obligatory and it will be checked. Maximum number of nonexcused absences are 2. In case of higher absence is the student obligated to do an individual work in accordance with teachers requirements.

The study programmes with the given course

Programme N-ETI-P: Power and Thermo-fluid Engineering, Master's
specialization ENI: Power Engineering, compulsory-optional

Programme N-ETI-P: Power and Thermo-fluid Engineering, Master's
specialization FLI: Fluid Engineering, compulsory-optional

Programme N-ETI-P: Power and Thermo-fluid Engineering, Master's
specialization TEP: Environmental Engineering, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the world of smallest dimensions.
2. Introduction of nuclear energy.
3. Nuclear fuel cycle, Uranium fission. Radioactive waste.
4. Neutron genesis, neutron absorption.
5. Classification of nuclear reactors.
5. Control of nuclear power plants.
6. Construction of nuclear sources, economy.
7. Heat pumps I – principle and components.
8. Heat pumps II – construction and low-temperature sources.
8. Absorption cycles, thermal transformers.
9. Energy storage.
10. ORC cycles, Kalin cycle – properties, thermal schemes.
11. Liquefied natural gas – production, transport, storage, consumption.
12. Thermo-photovoltaics, thermoelectric generators.
13. Smart energy concept

Exercise

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus


502/5000
1. Basic concepts
2. Nuclear fuel and waste issues.

4. Specifics of individual types of nuclear reactors.
5. Calculation of critical reactor size and composition.
6. Thermal and hydraulic calculations of the reactor.
7. Thermal and technological diagrams of nuclear power plants.
8. Parameters of heat pumps
9. Heat pump installation design.
9. Calculation of steam accumulator.
10. Absorption cycles.
11. Condensing heat exchangers.
12. Thermoelectric generator.
13. Power-to-gas technology.