151-0160-00L  Nuclear Energy Systems

SemesterSpring Semester 2020
LecturersH.‑M. Prasser, P. Burgherr, I. Günther-Leopold, W. Hummel, T. Kämpfer, T. Kober, X. Zhang
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
151-0160-00 VNuclear Energy Systems2 hrs
Thu10:15-12:00HG E 33.3 »
H.‑M. Prasser, P. Burgherr, I. Günther-Leopold, W. Hummel, T. Kämpfer, T. Kober, X. Zhang
151-0160-00 UNuclear Energy Systems1 hrs
Thu12:15-13:00HG E 33.3 »
H.‑M. Prasser, P. Burgherr, I. Günther-Leopold, W. Hummel, T. Kämpfer, T. Kober, X. Zhang

Catalogue data

AbstractNuclear energy and sustainability, uranium production, uranium enrichment, nuclear fuel production, reprocessing of spent fuel, nuclear waste disposal, Life Cycle Analysis, energy and materials balance of Nuclear Power Plants.
ObjectiveStudents get an overview on the physical and chemical fundamentals, the technological processes and the environmental impact of the full energy conversion chain of nuclear power generation. The are enabled to assess to potentials and risks arising from embedding nuclear power in a complex energy system.
Content(1) survey on the cosmic and geological origin of uranium, methods of uranium mining, separation of uranium from the ore, (2) enrichment of uranium (diffusion cells, ultra-centrifuges, alternative methods), chemical conversion uranium oxid - fluorid - oxid, fuel rod fabrication processes, (3) fuel reprocessing (hydrochemical, pyrochemical) including modern developments of deep partitioning as well as methods to treat and minimize the amount and radiotoxicity of nuclear waste. (4) nuclear waste disposal, waste categories and origin, geological and engineered barriers in deep geological repositories, the project of a deep geological disposal for radioactive waste in Switzerland, (5) methods to measure the sustainability of energy systems, comparison of nuclear energy with other energy sources, environmental impact of the nuclear energy system as a whole, including the question of CO2 emissions, CO2 reduction costs, radioactive releases from the power plant, the fuel chain and the final disposal. The material balance of different fuel cycles with thermal and fast reactors isdiscussed.
Lecture notesLecture slides will be distributed as handouts and in digital form

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits4 credits
ExaminersH.-M. Prasser, P. Burgherr, T. Kämpfer, T. Kober, X. Zhang
Typeend-of-semester examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionA repetition date will be offered in the first two weeks of the semester immediately consecutive.
Additional information on mode of examinationoral examination of 30 minutes

Learning materials

No public learning materials available.
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

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Restrictions

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Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Energy Science and Technology MasterEnergy Flows and ProcessesWInformation
Mechanical Engineering MasterEnergy, Flows and ProcessesWInformation
Nuclear Engineering Master2. SemesterOInformation
Physics MasterGeneral ElectivesWInformation