Entry requirements

120 credits including Nuclear Physics and Energy Physics I or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• explain and evaluate the role of different energy sources in today and future energy supply

  and describe the consequences of the use of these energy sources to supply the demand of electricity

• explain the physical and technical principles of a fission reactor in particular of

  the power evolution in the reactor

• discuss future nuclear energy technologies like Generation IV reactors

  thermonuclear fusion (magnetic confinement) and fusion-fission hybrids

• explain reactor safety for different reactor types
• describe the uranium cycle from mining to geological repository

Content

Potentials of different energy sources: fossil fuels, biofuel, hydro, wind, solar and nuclear. Reactor physics, neutron cycle , criticality, power evolution, cooling, reactor safety. Reactor dynamics, PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) and BWR (Boiling Water Reactor) basics. Uranium mining. Waste management. Different reactor types, fission power in the world. Generation IV: breeding and burn in fast reactors, advanced fuel cycles. Fusion: basics, introduction to plasma physics,

magnetic confinement, tokamak physics. Fusion- fission hybrids. Electricity distribution and integration of large- and small-scale production in the network. Radiological effects of radiation.

Instruction

Lectures: The course content is covered by lectures and project work.

Home assignments: about the course lectures content.

Project work based on a problem to be handed in as a written report that must be presented and defended.

The students act as opponents of each other.

Computer exercise: analysis of advanced fuel cycles.

Study visits: Oskarshamn (2 days). Visit to CLAB (Central deposit for used nuclear fuel )

Äspo (laboratory 500 m under ground for the development of the final repository) and Kapsellaboratoriet

(development of capsules for final repository).

Alfvenlaboratoriet (1/2 day): visit of a magnetic confinement fusion device.

Assessment

Compulsory study visits (1 credit)

Compulsory computer exercise (1 credit)

Project presentation and opposition (2 credits)

Oral examination (6 credits)