Convection nuclear reactors

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the amount of cooling water needed to be pumped through a nuclear reactor in order to remove the waste heat and meet regulatory temperature limits. The process involves using the specific heat capacity of water and the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1°C. The final answer would be in kilograms of water per minute.
  • #1
twiztdlogik
12
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convection...nuclear reactors...**

hey guys, there is one question i am having a great deal of trouble trying to find formulas and stuff for out of my textbook and don't really have the time or patience to search through hundreds of google pages :bugeye:.

so any help on this would be greatly appreciated! :biggrin:

A typical nuclear reactor generates 1000 MW (1000MJ/s) of electrical energy. In doing so, it produces 2000 MW of waste heat that must be removed from the reactor. Consider a reactor where the intake water is at 18°C. Regulations limit the temperature of the output water to 30°C so as not to harm aquatic organisms. How many kilograms of cooling water have to be pumped through the reactor each minute?

TIA!
 
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  • #2


You'll need the specific heat capacity of water, the amount of heat it takes to raise the temperature of 1 kg. of water by 1º C. You will then want to find how much water 2000 million joules would heat from 18º C to 30º C. That's how much water would have to be passed through the reactor every second. Finally, you need to find how much that would require per minute, in order to answer the question.
 

What is a convection nuclear reactor?

A convection nuclear reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that uses convection to transfer heat from the reactor core to the power generation system. This is in contrast to other types of reactors that use pumps or other mechanical systems to transfer heat.

How does a convection nuclear reactor work?

In a convection nuclear reactor, the nuclear fuel generates heat through fission reactions. This heat is then transferred to a coolant, usually water, which circulates through the reactor core. The heated coolant then flows through a heat exchanger where it is used to produce steam, which in turn drives turbines to generate electricity.

What are the advantages of convection nuclear reactors?

One advantage of convection nuclear reactors is their simplicity. They do not require complex pumps or other mechanical systems, making them less prone to failure. Additionally, they have a higher thermal efficiency, meaning they can convert a larger portion of the heat generated into electricity.

What are the potential safety concerns with convection nuclear reactors?

One potential safety concern with convection nuclear reactors is the possibility of a loss of coolant accident. If the coolant flow is interrupted, the reactor may overheat and potentially release radioactive material. However, modern safety measures and design improvements have greatly reduced the likelihood of such accidents.

What is the current status of convection nuclear reactors?

Convection nuclear reactors are currently used in many countries, including the United States, France, and China. However, they are not as widely used as other types of reactors, such as pressurized water reactors. Research and development is ongoing to improve the efficiency and safety of convection nuclear reactors.

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