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151-0163-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-GESS
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Nuclear Energy Conversion

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Annalisa Manera
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:06

Abstract

Phyisical fundamentals of the fission reaction and the sustainable chain reaction, thermal design, construction, function and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants, light water reactors and other reactor types, conversion and breeding, radioactive dose and limits, nuclear waste.

Objective

Students get an overview on energy conversion in nuclear power plants, on construction and function of the most important types of nuclear reactors with special emphasis to light water reactors. They obtain the mathematical/physical basis for quantitative assessments concerning most relevant aspects of design, dynamic behaviour as well as material and energy flows, and basics on radioactive doses and radioactive waste disposal.

Content

Nuclear physics of fission and chain reaction. Themodynamics of nuclear reactors. Design of the rector core. Introduction into the dynamic behaviour of nuclear reactors. Overview on types of nuclear reactors, difference between thermal reactors and fast breaders. Construction and operation of nuclear power plants with pressurized and boiling water reactors, role and function of the most important safety systems, special features of the energy conversion. Development tendencies of rector technology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Hand-outs will be distributed. Additional literature and information on the course moodle website

Literature

S. Glasston & A. Sesonke: Nuclear Reactor Engineering, Reactor System Engineering, Ed. 4, Vol. 2., Springer-Science+Business Media, B.V. R. L. Murray: Nuclear Energy (Sixth Edition), An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes, Elsevier

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Nuclear Energy Conversion
The course starts in the second week.
  • Mon 14:15-16:00 (CAB G 11)
2 h weekly
exercise Nuclear Energy Conversion
The course starts in the second week.
  • Mon 16:15-17:00 (CAB G 11)
1 h weekly

Offered In