Course Title: Nuclear Power Engineering
Type of Course: Optional, Theory
Offered to: EEE
Pre-requisite Course(s): None
Basic concepts: nuclear energy, atoms and nuclei, radioactivity, nuclear processes, fission, fusion.
Nuclear systems: particle accelerator, isotope separators, neutron chain reaction, reactor types, power generation.
Layout of nuclear power plant (NPP).
Nuclear power plant reactors : pressurized water reactor, boiling water reactor, CANDU reactor, gas cooled reactor, liquid metal cooled reactor, breeder reactor.
Auxiliaries, instrumentation and control.
Grid interconnection issues: effects of frequency and voltage changes on NPP operation.
Advanced and next generation nuclear plants; very high temperature reactors.
Biological effects, reactor safety and security; Three Mile island case; Chernobyl case; Fukushima case
Fuel cycle; radioactive waste disposal.
To provide the students with the fundamental knowledge on the important features of nuclear power engineering covering chain reaction and reactor fundamentals, electricity generation, control and instrumentation, safety, fuel cycle and radioactive waste disposal.
To enable the students to build the basic foundation required for pursuing a career on research, development and applications of nuclear power for the benefits of mankind.
Fundamental understanding of concepts of Physics, Energy Conversion I and II, and Power System I.
| CO No. | CO Statement | Corresponding PO(s)* | Domains and Taxonomy level(s)** | Delivery Method(s) and Activity(ies) | Assessment Tool(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the basic principles of extracting nuclear energy. | PO(a), PO(b) | C2,C4 | Lectures, Discussions | Assignment, Class test, Final exam |
| 2 | Understand the basics of a nuclear power plant (NPP). | PO(a), PO(b), PO(d) | C2, C3, C5 | Lectures, Discussions | Assignment, Class test, Final exam |
| 3 | Know about various types of existing and emerging reactors and their role in hydrogen economy. | PO(c), PO(f), PO(g),PO(j),PO(l) | C2,C3, C4 | Lectures, Discussions | Assignment, Class test, Final exam |
| 4 | Identify the reinforcements required in a grid system for accommodating and operating a NPP. | PO(a), PO(e) | C4,C5,C6 | Lectures, Discussions | Assignment, Class test, Final exam |
| 5 | Understand the causes of major accidents ever occurred involving NPP and their remedies. | PO(h), PO(i), PO(j), PO(l) | C2,C4,C5 | Lectures, Discussions | Assignment, Class test, Final exam |
| 6 | Know the basics of nuclear safety practices and fuel cycle | PO(h), PO(i), PO(k), PO(l) | C2,C3,C5 | Lectures, Discussions | Assignment, Class test, Final exam |
Cognitive Domain Taxonomy Levels: C1 – Knowledge, C2 – Comprehension, C3 – Application, C4 – Analysis, C5 – Synthesis, C6 – Evaluation, Affective Domain Taxonomy Levels: A1: Receive; A2: Respond; A3: Value (demonstrate); A4: Organize; A5: Characterize; Psychomotor Domain Taxonomy Levels: P1: Perception; P2: Set; P3: Guided Response; P4: Mechanism; P5: Complex Overt Response; P6: Adaptation; P7: Organization
Program Outcomes (PO): PO(a) Engineering Knowledge, PO(b) Problem Analysis, PO(c) Design/development Solution, PO(d) Investigation,
PO(e) Modern tool usage, PO(f) The Engineer and Society, PO(g) Environment and sustainability, PO(h) Ethics, PO(i) Individual work and team work,
PO(j). Communication, PO(k) Project management and finance, PO(l) Life-long Learning
* For details of program outcome (PO) statements, please see the departmental website or course curriculum
| K1 | K2 | K3 | K4 | K5 | K6 | K7 | K8 | P1 | P2 | P3 | P4 | P5 | P6 | P7 | A1 | A2 | A3 | A4 | A5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Lectures | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 1-6 | Basic concepts: nuclear energy, atoms and nuclei, radioactivity, nuclear processes, fission, fusion. |
| 3 | 7-9 | Nuclear systems: particle accelerator, isotope separators, neutron chain reaction, reactor types, power generation. |
| 4 | 10-12 | Layout of nuclear power plant (NPP). |
| 5-7 | 13-19 | Nuclear power plant reactors: pressurized water reactor, VVER reactor (“Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reactors” meaning water-cooled, water moderated energy reactor) boiling water reactor, CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactor, gas cooled reactor, liquid metal cooled reactor, breeder reactor. |
| 7-8 | 20-24 | Auxiliaries, instrumentation and control |
| 9-10 | 25-30 | Grid interconnection issues: effects of frequency and voltage changes on NPP operation. |
| 11 | 31-32 | Advanced and next generation nuclear plants; very high temperature reactors. |
| 11-13 | 33-39 | Biological effects, reactor safety and security; Three Mile island case; Chernobyl case; Fukushima case. |
| 14 | 40-42 | Fuel cycle; radioactive waste disposal |
Class participation will be judged by in-class evaluation; attendance will be recorded in every class.
Continuous assessment will be done in the form of quizzes, assignments, in-class evaluations.
Final Examination: A comprehensive term final examination will be held at the end of the Term following the guideline of BUET Academic Council
Class Participation 10%
Continuous Assessment 20%
Final Examination 70%
Total 100%
Raymond L. Murray and Keith E. Holbert, Nuclear Energy : An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes; Elsevier, NY, 2020 (Eighth Edition).
International Atomic Energy Agency, Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants; Vienna, 2012.
Kenneth D. Kok (editor), Nuclear Engineering Handbook, CRC Press, USA, 2017
Online resources or supplementary materials will be shared with the class on a need basis
Besides going through relevant topics of the text/reference book, it is strongly advised that the students follow the class Lectures and discussions regularly for a thorough understanding of the topics.