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Nuclear Energy and Technology and Its Environmental Impact

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 7775

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail
Guest Editor
School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: advanced nuclear technology; environmental impact of nuclear power plants; advanced nuclear energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail
Guest Editor
School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: accelerator; neutron source; nuclear power; reactor physics; reactor thermal-hydraulics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The impact of nuclear energy and nuclear technology on the environment can be seen everywhere; with the strengthening of government supervision, people of all countries pay more and more attention to the harmonious development of nuclear energy, nuclear technology and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out technical analysis, strategic research and policy formulation discussion in this area, to seek sustainable development.

Nuclear energy assessment: The impact of nuclear energy on the environment is related to the quality of life of people, fortunately, the people have fully realized the importance of the environmental impact of nuclear energy. However, there is still room for improvement in local areas, especially for the treatment of spent fuel with a very long radioactive half-life. Additionally, newer reactors should be developed to improve their environmental friendliness from the source.

Nuclear technology assessment: Nuclear technology has very wide civil research value, including various ray devices, they are often used in medical treatment, agricultural sterilization, industrial non-destructive testing, etc. However, the balance between environmental friendliness and economy needs to be further studied. The study of nuclear technology and its impact on the environment is also of great scientific significance and practical value.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: (a) nuclear energy and the environment; (b) nuclear technology and the environment; (c) nuclear fuel cycle; (d) nuclear fuel management; (e) nuclear medicine and sustainable development; (f) advanced nuclear detection technology and algorithms; (g) radiation protection and shielding.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Sheng Wang
Dr. Zhifeng Li
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nuclear application
  • nuclear energy and technology
  • nuclear fuel cycle
  • radiation effects
  • radiation detection

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4584 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Solution for Nuclear Power Plant On-Site Optimal Evacuation Path Planning Based on Atmospheric Dispersion and Dose Model
by Yushuo Ren, Guoming Zhang, Jianxiang Zheng and Huifang Miao
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2458; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062458 - 15 Mar 2024
Viewed by 898
Abstract
Safety in nuclear energy utilization is crucial. In the event of a radioactive release incident, coupled with meteorological uncertainties, a radioactive plume can impact personnel evacuation. This paper presents an integrated solution for radionuclide release accident assessment and emergency evacuation decision making. The [...] Read more.
Safety in nuclear energy utilization is crucial. In the event of a radioactive release incident, coupled with meteorological uncertainties, a radioactive plume can impact personnel evacuation. This paper presents an integrated solution for radionuclide release accident assessment and emergency evacuation decision making. The solution consists of three processes: atmospheric dispersion calculation, dose calculation, and path planning. The individual processes are connected through data exchange, thus allowing users to choose specific models based on experience. The proposed scheme combination is the Gaussian plume model, the dose conversion factor method, and an improved Dijkstra’s path planning algorithm. This algorithm, combined with dispersion and dose results, weighs nodes using the moving expected dose, facilitating the path with minimum dose risk. A program for Atmospheric Diffusion and Dose Calculation (ADDC) is developed based on the recommended scheme. Advantages include ease of use, minimal data requirements, data accessibility, and efficient evacuation. Dose estimates and optimal evacuation routes can be obtained quickly and at very low cost in response to rapidly changing environmental conditions. In a case study at a Chinese planned nuclear plant, we consider a spent fuel pool water loss scenario, assessing dose risks from 2020 to 2022 meteorological statistics. In dose calculation, results reveal that during an SFP drying accident, the radiation dose in the core area (100 m away) can reach 30–150 mSv within 2 h, and at 500 m away, it can reach 5–15 mSv. The dose in all downwind directions can drop below 250 mSv within 60 m. In path planning, results reveal the program is capable of accurately and efficiently calculating the minimum dose evacuation route. The program’s path reduces the effective dose by up to 67.3% compared to the shortest route, enhancino safety, and guiding post-accident decision making and planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuclear Energy and Technology and Its Environmental Impact)
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20 pages, 3002 KiB  
Article
Research on Radiation Monitoring Strategy for Spent Fuel Reprocessing Plant Based on Coordination of Nuclear Security Risk and Facility Importance Evaluation
by Meilan Sun, Qingxin Li, Cuiyue Wei, Shoulong Xu, Shuliang Zou, Youjun Huang and Yang Lei
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041495 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 821
Abstract
This paper examines a method and scheme for optimizing the allocation of nuclear radiation monitoring resources, based on the analysis of the risk of nuclear security events and the importance of facilities in a spent fuel reprocessing plant. By constructing a nuclear security [...] Read more.
This paper examines a method and scheme for optimizing the allocation of nuclear radiation monitoring resources, based on the analysis of the risk of nuclear security events and the importance of facilities in a spent fuel reprocessing plant. By constructing a nuclear security radiation accident tree for a plant, the importance of different security events was calculated using fuzzy mathematics and expert scoring methods. The importance of each facility was determined by establishing a fuzzy comprehensive decision model, and a resource allocation scheme for nuclear radiation monitoring was proposed based on the importance level of facilities. The research findings demonstrated that the extraction process plant in the main process area, and the centralized control room in the front area of the plant, were of highest importance. Accordingly, three levels of nuclear radiation monitoring programs were established based on the importance of each facility. This study offers theoretical and technical support for the safety management and operation of a spent fuel reprocessing plant. Additionally, the analysis results can serve as a reference for allocating nuclear radiation monitoring resources in various facilities in a reasonable manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuclear Energy and Technology and Its Environmental Impact)
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14 pages, 3834 KiB  
Article
Large Eddy Simulation of the Inlet Cross-Flow in the CiADS Heat Exchanger Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
by Lu Liu, Sicheng Wang, Dawei Wang, Dajun Fan and Long Gu
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914627 - 9 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1086
Abstract
The liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is the coolant of the heat exchanger in China initiative Accelerator Driven System, which may have a risk of structural failure due to the washout of the coolant in the inlet of the heat exchanger. It is necessary [...] Read more.
The liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is the coolant of the heat exchanger in China initiative Accelerator Driven System, which may have a risk of structural failure due to the washout of the coolant in the inlet of the heat exchanger. It is necessary to study the mechanical properties of the heat exchanger bundles of CiADS, especially the fatigue life of the bundle structure in the transverse flow of the LBE. The numerical simulation is the Lattice Boltzmann method combined with the large eddy simulation by Python codes. The velocity distribution of the flow field and the time domain characteristics of the heat exchanger bundles’ force are calculated, and the frequency domain characteristics of the heat exchanger bundles’ vibration are obtained by Fourier transform. The bundles vibrate at high cycle fatigue in turbulent flow at high Reynolds number. The transverse flow of LBE does not affect the fatigue life of the bundle. No structural failure occurs in the CiADS heat exchanger due to the transverse flow of LBE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuclear Energy and Technology and Its Environmental Impact)
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Review

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17 pages, 1899 KiB  
Review
A Mini Review on Liquid Phase Catalytic Exchange for Hydrogen Isotope Separation: Current Status and Future Potential
by Siti Munirah Mhd Yusof, Serene Sow Mun Lock, Nur Najwa Abdul Talib and Liew Chin Seng
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4796; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114796 - 4 Jun 2024
Viewed by 987
Abstract
Liquid phase catalytic exchange (LPCE) appears a highly promising technology for separating hydrogen isotopes due to being less energy-intensive and having a high separation factor. This paper provides an overview of the current development of the hydrophobic catalysts used in the LPCE process, [...] Read more.
Liquid phase catalytic exchange (LPCE) appears a highly promising technology for separating hydrogen isotopes due to being less energy-intensive and having a high separation factor. This paper provides an overview of the current development of the hydrophobic catalysts used in the LPCE process, including the LPCE fundamentals, factors influencing its effectiveness, and proposals for future research areas. This paper specifically reviews the active metal catalysts, catalyst supports, operating temperatures, and molar feed ratio(gas-to-liquid,G/L). The addition of a second metal such as Ir, Fe, Ru, Ni, or Cr and modified catalyst supports showed enhancement of LPCE performance. Additionally, the validated optimized temperature of 60–80 °C and G/L of 1.5–2.5 provide an important basis for designing LPCE systems to improve separation efficiency. This paper concludes by highlighting potential research areas and challenges for future advancements in the sustainability of LPCE for hydrogen isotope separation, which include the optimization, scalability, techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle analysis of modified catalyst materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuclear Energy and Technology and Its Environmental Impact)
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37 pages, 6015 KiB  
Review
Global Development and Readiness of Nuclear Fusion Technology as the Alternative Source for Clean Energy Supply
by Mustakimah Mohamed, Nur Diyana Zakuan, Tengku Nur Adibah Tengku Hassan, Serene Sow Mun Lock and Azmi Mohd Shariff
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4089; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104089 - 13 May 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2824
Abstract
Nuclear fusion is understood as an energy reaction that does not emit greenhouse gases, and it has been considered as a long-term source of low-carbon electricity that is favourable to curtail rapid climate change. Fusion offers a pathway to resolve energy security and [...] Read more.
Nuclear fusion is understood as an energy reaction that does not emit greenhouse gases, and it has been considered as a long-term source of low-carbon electricity that is favourable to curtail rapid climate change. Fusion offers a pathway to resolve energy security and the unequal distribution of energy resources since seawater is its ultimate fuel source and a few grams of fuel can generate mega kilowatts of power. The development and testing of new materials and technologies are unceasing to achieve the net fusion energy through national and international collaboration as well as private partnerships. The ever-growing number of research works report various designs and magnet-based fusion devices, such as stellarators, lasers, and tokamaks. This article provides an overview on the utilization of nuclear energy as a clean energy source, as well as the strategies and progress towards establishing successful commercial fusion energy to the grid and transition to a reliable clean energy source. The overview focuses on the fusion nuclear development in five major countries, UK, US, China, Japan, and Russia. Identified technical and financial challenges are also described at the end of this article. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) has been an international reference program for fusion energy development and most developed countries with nuclear development capacity are aiming to complete their in-house fusion energy facilities in parallel to ITER. Many fusion programs are finishing the conceptual design and shifting into the phase of engineering design for the planned DEMO fusion facilities. The significant challenges were identified from the perspective of device efficiency and robustness, sustainable funding, and facility maintenance and safety, which must be addressed diligently to realize fusion energy as alternative clean energy that mitigates climate change and supports the goals of energy security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuclear Energy and Technology and Its Environmental Impact)
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