Nuclear Power Plant

A generating station in which nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy is known as a nuclear power station

In nuclear power station, heavy elements such as Uranium (U235) or Thorium (Th232) are subjected to nuclear fission in a special apparatus known as a reactor. The heat energy thus released is utilised in raising steam at high temperature and pressure. The steam runs the steam turbine which converts steam energy into mechanical energy. The turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The most important feature of a nuclear power station is that huge amount of electrical energy can be produced from a relatively small amount of nuclear fuel as compared to other conventional types of power stations. It has been found that complete fission of 1 kg. of Uranium (U235) can produce as much energy as can be produced by burning of 4,500 tons of high grade coal. Although the recovery of principal nuclear fuels (i.e.,Uranium and Thorium) is difficult and expensive, yet the total energy content of the estimated world reserves of these fuels are considerably higher than those of conventional fuels, viz., coal, oil and gas. At present, energy crisis is gripping us and, therefore, nuclear energy can be successfully employed for producing low cost electrical energy on a large scale to meet the growing commercial and industrial demands.

Advantages

i. The amount of fuel requires is quite small. Therefore, there is considerable saving in the cost of fuel transportation.

ii. A nuclear power plant requires less space as compared to any other type of the same size.

iii. It has low running charges as a small amount of fuel is used for producing bulk electrical energy.

iv. This type of plant is very economical for producing bulk electric power.

v. It can be located near the load centres because it does not require large quantities of water and need not be near coal mines. Therefore, the cost of primary distribution is reduced.

vi. There are large deposits of nuclear fuels available all over the world. Therefore, such plants can ensure continued supply of electrical energy for thousands of years.

vii. It ensures reliability of operation.

Disadvantages

i. The fuel is used is expensive and is difficult to recover.

ii. The capital cost on a nuclear power plant is very high as compared to other types of plants.

iii. The erection and commissioning of the plant requires greater technical know-how.

iv. The fission by-products are generally radioactive and may cause a dangerous amount of radioactive pollusion

v. Maintenance charge are high due to lack of standardisation. Moreover, high salaries of specially trained personnel employed to handle the plant further raise the cost.

vi. Nuclear power plants are not well suited for varying loads as the reactor does not rrespond to the load fluctuations efficiently.

vii. The disposal of the by-products, which are radioactive, is a big problem. They have either to be disposed off in a deep trench or in a sea away from sea-shore.

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Written by arjun on September 28th, 2008 with 1 comment.
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