Articles tagged with Nuclear Energy
A new method for desalinating seawater using hydrate-based desalination technology has been developed, offering a low-energy solution for producing freshwater. The research team calculated optimal temperatures for enhanced efficiency, with maximum water yields reaching up to 67% in certain brine concentrations.
Researchers at Texas A&M's Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of a $42 million program to advance laser-driven fusion energy. The RISE hub will focus on innovative target concepts, excimer gas lasers, and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes.
NTU Singapore has expanded its research collaborations with French partners to push the boundaries of science. The university has inked six new partnerships and renewed existing collaborations across various fields, including quantum physics, nuclear energy, and sustainability.
The UK and Japan partnership aims to develop new technologies for detecting and processing radioactive waste. Researchers will focus on improving inspection technologies using hyperspectral imaging and exploring calcined clays as natural resources to engineer 'geopolymer binders'.
Prof. Zuankai WANG's innovative structured thermal armour (STA) resolves the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C, enabling efficient liquid cooling in extreme temperatures. This breakthrough applies to aero-engines, space-engines, nuclear reactors, and electronics devices, with far-reaching implications for chemistry and beyond.
Researchers have developed a compact α-Al2O3 protective layer that can stick to metal surfaces, providing outstanding protection in high-temperature liquid metal environments. The layer's unique structure and properties promote adhesion strength and resist peeling, making it an innovative solution for extending the service life of liqu...
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed high-adsorption phosphates that can efficiently capture radionuclide cesium ions. These phosphates outperform standard adsorbents with record-high adsorption capacities, making them promising candidates for radioactive waste disposal.
A two-day workshop hosted by PPPL discussed the risks and benefits of fusion energy, including concerns about nuclear proliferation and energy justice. Experts emphasized the need for open discussion and regulation to ensure safe and equitable deployment of fusion power.
A recent MIT study finds that shutting down nuclear power could significantly increase air pollution, with up to 5,200 premature deaths estimated. The study reveals that fossil fuel sources would fill the gap, leading to increased health risks, especially for Black or African American communities.
The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created stable plasmas using microwaves, a key step towards harnessing nuclear fusion's massive energy potential. The team identified three crucial steps in plasma production and used Heliotron J to generate the dense plasmas.
Researchers developed a new particle resuspension prediction model based on quasi-static moment equilibrium, which considers flow characteristics, particle morphology, and rough wall surface. The model is more accurate than classical models and can be applied to traceability analysis of pollutants.
New research from Princeton University suggests that fusion energy's viability hinges on economics, not just engineering challenges. The model results indicate that a favorable market can enable fusion to reach 100 GW capacity despite high capital costs, but competing technologies may require lower prices.
Researchers have discovered a new 3D-printed superalloy that can withstand high heat, essential for power plant turbines. The alloy, composed of 42% aluminum, 25% titanium and other metals, is stronger at high temperatures than state-of-the-art materials.
The UTSA-led Consortium on Nuclear Security Technologies (CONNECT) has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. The program aims to educate and train the next generation of scientists and engineers in nuclear security, with a focus on underrepresented students.
Lehigh University has received nearly $1.75 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to support fusion energy research, specifically for ITER's long-pulse scenarios. The project aims to prepare ITER for operation and address critical research questions related to plasma control.
Researchers studied the strong nuclear force using nickel-64 nuclei, discovering that they change shapes under high-energy conditions. The team used advanced detectors to analyze gamma rays and particle direction, revealing two possible shapes for the nucleus: oblate and prolate.
Researchers at Paderborn University developed a new algorithm for quantum computing in chemistry, reducing qubit count and increasing parallelisation. This allows for the simulation of larger molecules and improved accuracy despite 'quantum noise'.
A study by University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley finds that competition with China drove significant increases in clean energy investment between 2000 and 2018. The share of RD&D funding for clean technologies grew from 46% to 63%, while fossil fuel funding remained relatively unchanged.
The U.S. Department of Energy has renewed funding for a research center studying molten salts, which have potential applications in improving the safety and efficiency of nuclear power. The center, led by Brookhaven National Laboratory, will receive $13.3 million over four years to advance our understanding of molten salt properties.
Argonne researchers develop a new way to calculate the environmental impact of ammonia production, evaluating two promising methods: carbon capture and water electrolysis. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in fertilizer production.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
The research team aims to develop a new approach to managing spent nuclear fuel by engaging community members in the design and construction process. This 'community-first approach' involves simulating the engagement of local stakeholders before designing a facility, taking into account their wishes and needs for future storage sites.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the life cycle assessment of nuclear power generation, revealing varying TMR coefficients across different mining methods and fuel cycles. The results show that nuclear power generates similar natural resources as renewable energy, significantly less than thermal power.
Researchers from UC Berkeley found that a photovoltaic array using compressed hydrogen for energy storage can efficiently power human missions on Mars. The system beats out nuclear power across about 50% of the Martian surface.
A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that solar photovoltaics can provide sufficient power for extended Mars missions, outperforming nuclear fusion reactors in over 50% of the planet's surface. This breakthrough provides a more practical solution for long-term human settlements on Mars.
The project will develop a better understanding of nuclear radiation by integrating recent mathematical developments into radiation transport modelling. This will lead to improved nuclear safety, cancer radiotherapy, and shielding for astronauts from cosmic rays.
Researchers at the University of Surrey are working on a new approach to stress measurement techniques for nuclear fusion energy. The team aims to prove the safety and effectiveness of welds in future fusion power plants, which could be a key part of the world's long-term energy needs.
The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center will engage in nuclear materials technology research with a five-year, $5 million grant from the US Department of Energy. This partnership aims to transform national nuclear security through nuclear material science applications and provide opportunities for underrepresented students.
A team from UNIGE and Empa recommends a domestic generation mix of wind and photovoltaic energy to reduce Switzerland's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The scenario would enable the country to reduce its footprint by an estimated 45%.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a novel method for 3D printing refractory materials into complex shapes needed for advanced nuclear reactor designs. USNC plans to incorporate this technology to boost their mission to develop safe, commercially competitive, and simple nuclear energy equipment.
The University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a $980,000 grant from the Department of Energy to develop an AI-driven detector for the future Electron-Ion Collider. The team will use machine learning techniques to optimize detector design and achieve 'co-design,' a new concept in nuclear physics.
The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment will provide crucial operational data for fast-spectrum salt reactors and unlock this uniquely flexible advanced reactor technology for use in a net-zero future. The project represents a significant inflection point in the technology demonstration roadmap for TerraPower's MCFR.
Thermal quenches in fusion devices occur when high-energy electrons escape from the core and fly toward the wall, causing a rapid drop in electron temperature. The researchers propose an analytic model of plasma transport that provides new physical insights into the complex topology of 3-D magnetic field lines.
Researchers at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully integrated hot cores and cool edges in fusion reactors using powder injection and Super H-mode. This approach achieves significant edge cooling with modest effects on core performance, making it compatible with larger devices like ITER. The results suggest a promising...
Researchers have discovered a way to harness hot helium ash to drive rotation in fusion reactors, reducing instabilities and turbulence. By capturing the energy of hot fusion ash via alpha channeling, plasma rotation can be stabilized, leading to improved performance and reduced operating costs.
Research has shown steady progress toward achieving large energy gain in fusion reactions, a crucial milestone for commercial fusion energy. Recent advancements in laser-driven devices and lower-cost private concepts have significantly increased performance thresholds, surpassing early tokamak designs.
Researchers track migration of fast ions, revealing routes influenced by Alfvén waves. The observed patterns suggest a large-scale migration among different routes, with some ions escaping the core and others returning to it.
Researchers examine how heat affects salt and brine in underground tests to refine computer models and inform policymakers about spent nuclear fuel disposal. The understanding gained will help assess the viability of salt beds as a safe storage option for radioactive waste.
A survey of 1,000 people in five Southeast Asian countries found that more than half were against nuclear energy development. The study suggests that trust in entities and risk perceptions are key factors influencing public opinion on nuclear energy.
The University of Leeds research highlights the need for industry to adopt new technologies that can manufacture materials using renewable electricity. This is crucial to achieving net zero emissions targets by 2050, as current steel and aluminium manufacturing capacities pose a significant barrier to this goal.
Historical analysis found no precedent for the rate of coal and gas power decline required to limit climate change to 1.5°C. Rapid declines in fossil fuel use occurred in response to energy security threats, but such cases are less relevant to climate scenarios where continental-size regions are involved.
The latest results from the RHIC Spin Program provide new insights into the contribution of quarks and gluons to a proton's spin. Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have made significant progress in studying the three-dimensional internal structure of protons using collisions of spin-polarized protons at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider ...
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign used advanced machine learning to model the physico-chemical properties of a molten salt compound called FLiNaK, enabling accurate atomic-scale reproduction and prediction of behavior under specific reactor conditions. This computational framework can help character...
Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to generate renewable biofuel additives from organic waste using nuclear radiation. This process could help increase the proportion of petrol with renewable content from 5% to 20% by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
Researchers developed a method to scale up nanocages to trap noble gases like krypton and xenon. The team used commercial materials and found the optimal temperature range for trapping gas atoms inside the cages.
Scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS discovered that medicines like painkillers can be used as makeshift emergency dosimeters due to their composition and standardization procedures. This method is more personal and easier than previous methods, which require breaking down expensive devices.
Researchers at Ural Federal University have created a technology to generate energy for electric car engines using methanol, resulting in high efficiency and minimal emissions. The method uses synthesis gas produced from methanol, which is then fed into an electrochemical generator based on solid oxide fuel cells.
Advanced small modular reactors offer flexible electricity generation and can meet Washington's fluctuating electricity demand. The technology has matured and is economically competitive in a carbon-free electricity sector.
A review paper examines the history and evolution of neutral particle analysis (NPA), a powerful diagnostic technique for harnessing fusion power. NPA has played a key role in advancing controlled fusion physics, with its application expected to be crucial in ITER, the world's largest fusion experiment.
A study of 126 nations suggests that many lack the economic and institutional quality to deploy nuclear power, despite rising demand for low-carbon electricity. Countries like Malaysia and Qatar demonstrated above-median performance, while others require improved governance structures.
A newly published IAEA report outlines the benefits of wireless technology in nuclear power plants, enabling safe remote monitoring and reducing risks. Wireless devices act as sensors to monitor process conditions, preventing potential accidents and promoting reliable operation.
Researcher Dr. Erik Lentz discovered a new class of hyper-fast 'solitons' that can enable travel at any speed without requiring exotic matter with negative energy density. The equations used in this research would allow space travel to Proxima Centauri and back within years, compared to current rocket technology's 50,000-year journey.
Researchers analyze RHIC collision data to track transitions between nuclear phases, aiming to understand the universe's evolution and neutron star cores. The analysis reveals tantalizing signs of turbulence, hinting at a possible 'critical point' where quarks and gluons transform from one phase to another.
Researchers have successfully controlled quantum jumps in atomic nuclei using X-ray light, enabling ultra-precise atomic clocks and potentially powerful nuclear batteries. The technique requires precise control of high-energy X-ray pulses to manipulate quantum dynamics.
Researchers from three US DOE labs outline a framework for engineering-based modeling and analysis to support complex optimization of hybrid energy systems. The study presents an objective new path forward for leveraging multiple energy sources to maximize value.
Researchers from the US Department of Energy's three applied energy laboratories have developed a new framework for engineering-based modeling and analysis to support complex optimization of hybrid energy systems. These systems can leverage multiple energy sources to maximize value and deliver lower-emission energy to industry.
A new detector using cesium lead bromide perovskite crystals has been developed to aid in the detection and identification of radioactive isotopes. The device achieves high resolution in energy detection, allowing for differentiation between legal and illegal gamma rays.
A new 'combustion synthesis' process has been established for producing safe and sustainable nuclear fuels. Actinide nitride fuels offer improved thermal conductivity and energy density compared to uranium dioxide, potentially revolutionizing the nuclear power industry.