Nuclear power plant

Abstract: (2011). Preliminary Estimation of Release Amounts of 131I and 137Cs Accidentally Discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Atmosphere. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology: Vol. 48, No. 7, pp. 1129-1134.

Abstract: The primary purpose of the Handbook is to present methods, models, and estimated human error probabilities (HEPs) to enable qualified analysts to make quantitative or qualitative assessments of occurrences of human errors in nuclear power plants (NPPs) that affect the availability or operational reliability of engineered safety features and components. The Handbook is intended to provide much of the modeling and information necessary for the performance of human reliability analysis (HRA) as a part of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) of NPPs. Although not a design guide, a second purpose of the Handbook is to enable the user to recognize error-likely equipment design, plant policies and practices, written procedures, and other human factors problems so that improvements can be considered. The Handbook provides the methodology to identify and quantify the potential for human error in NPP tasks.

Abstract: Although there is a relatively large literature on escalating commitment, almost all the research it describes has concerned individuals rather than organizations. Therefore, to provide additional ...

Abstract: This study presents the results of a life cycle analysis (LCA) of greenhouse gas emissions from power generation systems in order to understand the characteristics of these systems from the perspective of global warming. Nine different types of power generation systems were examined: coal-fired, oil-fired, LNG-fired, LNG-combined cycle, nuclear, hydropower, geothermal, wind power and solar-photovoltaic (PV). Life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission per kW h of electricity generated was estimated for the systems using a combined method of process analysis and input‐output analysis. First, average power generation systems reflecting the current status in Japan were examined as base cases. Second, the impacts of emerging and future nuclear, wind power and PV technologies were analyzed. Finally, uncertainties associated with some assumptions were examined to help clarify interpretation of the results. q 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract: The Westinghouse AP1000 Program is aimed at making available a nuclear power plant that is economical in the US deregulated electrical power industry in the near-term. The AP1000 is a two-loop 1000 MWe pressurizer water reactor (PWR). It is an uprated version of the AP600. Passive safety systems are used to provide significant and measurable improvements in plant simplification, safety, reliability, investment protection and plant costs. The AP1000 uses proven technology, which builds on over 35 years of operating PWR experience. The AP1000 received Final Design Approval from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission in September 2004; the AP1000 has also received Design Certification by the USNRC in December 2005. The AP1000 and its predecessor AP600 are the only nuclear reactor designs using passive safety technology licensed anywhere in the world. The safety performance of AP1000 has been verified by extensive testing, safety analysis and probabilistic safety assessment. AP1000 safety margins are large and the potential for accident scenarios that could jeopardize public safety is extremely low. Simplicity is a key technical concept behind the AP1000. It makes the AP1000 easier and less expensive to build, operate, and maintain. Simplification also provides a hedge against regulatory driven operations and maintenance costs by eliminating equipment subject to regulation. The AP1000's greatly simplified design complies with NRC regulatory and safety requirements and the EPRI advanced light water reactor (ALWR) utility requirements document. Plans are being developed for implementation of the AP1000 plant. Key factors in this planning are the economics of AP1000 in the de-regulated US electricity market, and the associated business model for licensing, constructing and operating these new plants.