Delivering Britain’s Low-Carbon Nuclear Renaissance

Gogan
SPEAKER:
KIRSTY GOGAN, MSC
DATE/TIME:
MON, 03/03/2014 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Spring 2014 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

For the last ten years, government policy in Britain has sought to re-invigorate nuclear power as a major contributor to meeting the ‘energy trilemma’; how to produce a stable, affordable and clean source of power sufficient for a country of 60 million people. Working with both government and industry, Kirsty Gogan has had extensive experience in helping to deliver Britain’s ‘nuclear renaissance’. From running the national public consultation for new nuclear sites, reviewing government policy in the wake of Fukushima, to building alliances with environmental groups, her work has helped to re-position nuclear power in the public debate. In this talk she will share her insights into Britain’s experience of redefining nuclear for the 21st century.

About the Speaker:

Kirsty Gogan sees nuclear power as an essential component for meeting critical challenges of climate change, air pollution and universal access to energy. Leading the Government’s public consultation into the UK’s new build programme she addressed public concerns about nuclear power. Later, as communications director for the UK’s Nuclear Industry Association, she created the Low Carbon Alliance with other low carbon technology trade associations representing more than 1,000 businesses. In addition, Kirsty launched the first UK chapter of the global Women in Nuclear network and creates innovative solutions to challenge popular misconceptions about nuclear energy.

Kirsty Gogan (MSc) is currently a Visiting Researcher at the Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester, UK. She is a former Deputy Head of Strategy for the Office of Nuclear Development in the UK Government’s Department for Energy and Climate Change and Head of Communications for the UK Nuclear Industry Association.

UC Berkeley Contributions to High Temperature Reactor Technology: Recent Advances

Peterson
SPEAKER:
PER F. PETERSON
DATE/TIME:
MON, 02/24/2014 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Spring 2014 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

With its investment in small modular reactors (SMRs) based upon light water reactor (LWR) technology, the U.S. Department of Energy is encouraging industry to explore a radically different paradigm for finance, manufacturing, and deployment of nuclear energy infrastructure, that builds upon major U.S. success in developing and licensing passive safety systems for large LWRs. The commercial markets for large reactors will likely always exist. But the major innovation and improvement in future nuclear energy technology is far more likely to occur within the energy ecosystems where SMRs will increasingly compete, particularly inland markets limited to the use of rail-transportable components, mature electricity markets with transmission
constraints and/or impending closures of coal power plants, installations needing reliable long-term electricity supply under conditions with disrupted off-site electricity or fuel supply, and markets with small grids.

Within this context, UC Berkeley, in collaboration with MIT and UW Madison, is now studying advanced reactor technology with the goal of further shifting the nuclear energy paradigm toward accelerated innovation. This talk will provide an overview of the Mk-1 PB-FHR design, a novel 236-MWth small-modular fluoride-salt-cooled, high temperature reactor (FHR) designed to be coupled to a modified GE 7FB gas turbine. In combined-cycle configuration, the Mk1 PB-FHR produces 100 MWe in base-load mode using only nuclear heat, and can rapidly cycle up to 240 MWe with gas co-firing, with a gas-to-electricity efficiency of 66%. This talk will review recent source-term and safety studies for the PB-FHR, as well as progress to develop an American Nuclear Society 20.1 safety standard for FHRs.

About the Speaker:

Per F. Peterson performs research at U.C. Berkeley related to high-temperature fission energy systems, as well as studying topics related to the safety and security of nuclear materials and waste management. He was appointed in February 2010 as a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future and co-chaired its Reactor and Fuel Cycle Technology Subcommittee. He participated in the development of the Generation IV Roadmap in 2002 as a member of the Evaluation Methodology Group, and co-chairs its Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Working Group. His research in the 1990’s contributed to the development of the passive safety systems used in the GE ESBWR and Westinghouse AP-1000 reactor designs. Currently his research group focuses primarily on heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and regulation and licensing for advanced reactors.

Post Irradiation Characterisation of FBR Fuels and Structural Materials at Indira Gandhi Centre of Atomic Research, Kalpakkam

Kasiviswanathan
SPEAKER:
K.V. KASIVISWANATHAN
DATE/TIME:
MON, 02/10/2014 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Spring 2014 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

India has an ambitious nuclear energy programme including the development of a closed fuel cycle Fast Breeder Reactor systems. The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India has operated successfully for the last 25 years with a unique mixed carbide fuel (U0.3Pu0.7)C as its driver fuel. The fuel has been taken to very high burnup levels of 155 GWd/t. The 20 % cold worked SS316 material used as structural material has seen a cumulative neutron damage in excess of 80dpa. The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) which is in advanced stage of construction at Kalpakkam, India, will use mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and D9 as structural material with a target burnup of 100 GWd/t. Systematic performance evaluation of the fuel and structural materials through Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) at different burnups has enabled understanding the behavior of plutonium rich carbide fuel well beyond the initial burnup limit of 50 GWd/t. A brief description of the PIE facilities established will be presented. Post irradiation examinations have also been carried out on Prototype Fast Breeder Rector (PFBR) MOX fuel irradiated in FBTR after attaining a burnup of 112 GWd/t . This presentation will discuss the results of various examinations carried out for understanding the performance fast reactor fuels and structural materials irradiated in FBTR. Results of post irradiation mechanical property evaluation and structure property correlations done including the miniature specimen test techniques will be also discussed. The materials development programme for future FBRs envisaged in India like improved D9, ODS and ferritic-martensitic steels will be highlighted briefly along with the description of the irradiation test facilities in FBTR.

About the Speaker:

K.V. Kasiviswanathan currently is a Raja Ramanna Fellow of the DAE attached to the IGCAR, Kalpakkam. He has more than 40 years of experience in the Department of Atomic Energy and has held various R&D, project management and implementation positions from 1970 onwards. He is an Out Standing Scientist with the department and was the Associate Director, Metallurgy and Materials Group at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam.

Stability, Asymmetry and Risk

Goodwin
SPEAKER:
BRUCE T. GOODWIN, PH.D.
DATE/TIME:
MON, 02/03/2014 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3110 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Spring 2014 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

As the U.S. considers potential paths towards nuclear arms reduction, key considerations are asymmetry (the state of the US nuclear stockpile deterrent and variations in international nuclear capabilities) and risk (degree of transparency/trust and ability to verify commitments). As stockpile numbers go down, each weapon takes on increased importance and stability of deterrence will be essential. Technically we can achieve reduced risk levels in our stockpile and the ability to verify compliance, if we plan and prepare. Increased transparency and dialogue could enable better understanding of the risks and help direct future negotiations in an environment of increased confidence.

About the Speaker:

BRUCE GOODWIN is the Associate Director at Large for National Security Policy and Research and the Director of the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR). In these roles he is responsible for the LLNL Nation Security Office and CGSR. He previously was the Principal Associate Director for Weapons and Complex Integration at Lawrence Livermore from 2001 until 2013. He has been a key player in the success of the nuclear weapons program since 1981, first at Los Alamos National Laboratory and then at LLNL since 1985. He led the process to certify LLNL nuclear weapons and was responsible for establishing priorities, developing strategies and designing and maintaining LLNL’s nuclear weapons; for the past 12 years he has been responsible for leading the Stockpile Stewardship Program. Goodwin was instrumental in developing the Quantification of Margins and Uncertainties methodology for sustaining the deterrent without nuclear testing. He lead the development of innovative reuse methods to extend stockpile lifetimes and streamline manufacturing. He championed cutting edge high performance computing for national security and competitiveness. He won the Department of Energy E.O. Lawrence Award for innovative weapons science for demonstrating that plutonium behaves in a fundamentally different way than previously thought – now the basis for understanding weapons performance. Goodwin received his doctorate and master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor’s degree in Physics from City College of New York. He is a recipient of many awards and the author of numerous technical and policy papers. As one of the world’s leading theoretical experts in plutonium and implosion dynamics, he often presents weapons physics to the community, officials and members of Congress.

NuScale Power: Thinking Small in a Big Way

Ingersoll
SPEAKER:
DANIEL T. INGERSOLL
DATE/TIME:
MON, 01/27/2014 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Spring 2014 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

Although roughly a third of the ~440 commercial nuclear power plants operating world-wide have capacities less than 700 MWe, nearly all new plant designs available on the global market are large, monolithic plants with output capacities in the range of 1000-1700 MWe. The large
capacity and staggering price tag severely limit the number of customers that can reasonably consider purchasing new nuclear plants. Interest in smaller sized nuclear power plants has been growing steadily world-wide and is now emerging rapidly in the United States. NuScale Power is
developing a small modular reactor design that will offer a more affordable and more flexible approach to expanding the use of nuclear energy for a broader range of energy customers. Based on a standardized and highly robust 45 MWe nuclear module, a NuScale plant will be scalable up to 12 modules, each of which are factory fabricated and can be installed in an incremental fashion to maximize affordability and owner flexibility. A brief overview of the NuScale module and plant design will be presented with emphasis on the high level of safety, affordability and flexibility achieved by the modular
design.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Daniel Ingersoll is Director of the Office of Research Collaborations for NuScale Power. He joined NuScale in January 2012 to coordinate and develop R&D partnerships between NuScale and universities, laboratories and industry. Prior to joining NuScale, he was Senior Program Manager for the Small Modular Reactors R&D Office at Oak Ridge National Laboratory where he served as National Technical Director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Modular Reactor program. During his 34 years at ORNL, he led several ORNL research organizations conducting radiation transport modeling, reactor shielding experiments and reactor physics analysis in support of advanced reactor development, advanced medical therapies, and defense applications. Dr. Ingersoll received a BS degree in Physics from Miami University in 1973 and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1977. He is a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and former chairman of the ANS Radiation Protection and Shielding Division.

The Nuclear Literacy Project: Creative Solutions to Growing Nuclear Energy

baker
SPEAKER:
SUZANNE HOBBS BAKER
DATE/TIME:
MON, 12/09/2013 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Fall 2013 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

The nuclear industry is truly unique in that we primarily trade in invisible forces.  Splitting atoms, generating electricity, shielding radiation; each of these services is quite intangible to the everyday citizen, despite the benefits they might receive as a consumer.  This problem has left me wondering: How can we better connect the dots in the public discourse between nuclear technologies and their benefits to people and the environment?  How can we make the industry more accessible, human and visually substantive?  To answer these questions, I've spent much of 2013 traveling the world, visiting nuclear sites and writing about my experiences for the Nuclear Literacy Project.

About the Speaker:

Suzanne Hobbs Baker is the founder of the nonprofit organization PopAtomic Studios and the Director of the Nuclear Literacy Project.  With a background in fine arts, Baker uses art and imagery to communicate the benefits associated with nuclear energy.  From reducing our carbon emissions to reducing proliferation risks.  Nuclear energy technologists and professionals have an important role to play in solving some of our world's biggest challenges.  Throughout her work, Baker explores ways to overcome the communications challenges associated with the advancement of nuclear technologies using visual arts, social media and collaborative thinking.  She hopes to de-mystify the inner workings of nuclear sector by highlighting the wonderful people and programs behind the technology.

Toward Adaptive Radiation Therapy: The Role and Validation of Deformable Image Registration

pouliot
SPEAKER:
JEAN POULIOT
DATE/TIME:
MON, 11/25/2013 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Fall 2013 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

Adaptive Radiation Therapy (known as ART) is a closed-loop radiation treatment process where the treatment plan can be adjusted using measurement feedback.  ART intends to improve radiation treatment by systematically monitoring treatment variations (temporal changes of anatomy due to tumor shrinkage, weight loss or internal motion) and incorporating them to re-optimize the treatment plan early on during the course of treatment.  This involves transforming information from multiple medical images into usable and accurate clinical knowledge to guide tumor irradiation.  Some of the steps include auto segmentation and contour propagation, all enabled using deformable image registration.  Using examples drawn from external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, the talk will describe the role, benefits and challenges, as well as the on-going research efforts toward the clinical implementation of ART.

About the Speaker:

Professor Jean Pouliot is the Vice Chair and Director of the Division of Medical Physics at the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCSF.  He is also a Core Faculty of the UCB-UCSF Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering.

EM2 and Spinoff Technologies

Robert_Schleicher
SPEAKER:
ROBERT SCHLEICHER
DATE/TIME:
MON, 11/28/2011 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Fall 2011 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

EM2 is a helium-cooled fast reactor with a conversion ratio of near unity. It has a 30 year core life and is able to burn spent LWR fuel without reprocessing. An update of the technical developments in EM2 since the last Berkeley colloquium will be given. The update will include design changes and improvements as well as progress on fuel fabrication and SiC composite development. EM2 has fostered a number of spinoff technologies that are actively being pursued including SiC composite clad for LWRs, high-speed turbo-generators and EM3, a small, molten-salt cooled, autonomous version of EM2.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Schleicher is senior scientist at General Atomics, where he has been an employee for 39 years. During this time, he has been a contributor in the fission, magnetic and inertial fusion and high energy laser fields. At present, he is the project manager, co-inventor and technical leader for the EM2 nuclear reactor, an advanced helium-cooled, convert & burn, fast reactor. He has recently returned to the fission community after 20 years in other fields, and is working to cross-fertilize technologies and materials from other fields with nuclear fission. Previously, he spent 10 years developing on innovative solid-state lasers and is the co-inventor of the HELLADS, high power military laser. Prior to that time he worked in the Fusion Division and was appointed to the ITER Joint Central Team where he was responsible for tokomak electrical systems. He conducted many studies on the application of nuclear energy to non-electricity uses including desalination. He developed the DEEP cogeneration/desalination code for the IAEA, which is currently used by many nations to evaluate the use of nuclear power for desalination. He has a Ph.D. from Cornell University in Applied Physics. He is the author or co-author of over 40 articles and papers on advanced energy production technologies.

Dr. Schleicher is committed to innovation and technology advancement in the energy field. He believes that the U.S. must advance substantially new and better concepts in order to have significant influence in the direction of the global nuclear economy. He believes that new ideas are key to attracting talented young minds into the nuclear field to make these technologies a reality.

Neutron Generators for Active Interrogation Applications in Nuclear Safeguards and Homeland Security

Bernhard_Ludewigt
SPEAKER:
BERNHARD LUDEWIGT
DATE/TIME:
MON, 11/21/2011 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Fall 2011 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

The Ion Beam Technology Group at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is conducting research on a broad range of electronic neutron sources, from compact devices to accelerator-driven systems, for homeland security and non-proliferation applications. New ion source technology has been developed and adapted for use in neutron generators. This includes permanent-magnet, microwave-driven ion sources that produce high mono-atomic fractions and high beam current densities, and the improvement of Penning ion sources by better magnetic confinement, optimization of electrode geometry, and choice of wall material. A field ionization source employing nanoemitter arrays is under development in pursuit of ultra-compact, low-power generators that are easily portable and can serve as replacement for radiological sources. The neutron generator R&D is performed in the context of active interrogation applications in nuclear safeguards, homeland security, well-logging and industrial process control. The development of a neutron generator based instrument for the determination of Pu in spent nuclear fuel assemblies utilizing delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy will be discussed. Also presented will be ongoing work towards a neutron generator for associated particle imaging and its use in nuclear safeguards and a concept for an accelerator-driven neutron beam source for stand-off detection of shielded special nuclear materials.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Bernhard Ludewigt is a Staff Physicist in the Accelerator & Fusion Research Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His current research focuses on active interrogation techniques for the non-destructive assay of nuclear materials, in particular delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy and nuclear resonance fluorescence, and the development of neutron and gamma sources for homeland security and nuclear safeguards applications. Other research interests and experience include advanced radiation detector systems, medical applications of ion beams and beam delivery systems for radiotherapy.

Origins, Visions, Plans & Wave Reactors

John_Gilleland
SPEAKER:
JOHN GILLELAND
DATE/TIME:
MON, 11/14/2011 - 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
LOCATION:
3105 ETCHEVERRY HALL
Fall 2011 Colloquium Series
Abstract:

The traveling wave reactor concept and its potential benefits will be reviewed. The plan for long term development of the reactor and its infrastructure will be outlined. The associated global TWR technology development program will be summarized. Thoughts on safety post Fukushima will be offered.

About the Speaker:

ohn Gilleland is the Chief Executive Officer of TerraPower LLC. The Company is focused on the development of advanced nuclear power systems. Previously Dr Gilleland founded and served as the CEO of Archimedes Technology Group, a company which created a new technology that could greatly speed up weapons waste cleanup and opens new approaches to commercial spent fuel reprocessing. As Chief Scientist and Vice president of Energy Programs at Bechtel Corporation he had responsibility for a large number of advanced energy production and energy storage projects. This included large scale renewable energy projects as well as advanced nuclear systems. Prior to that he served as the US Managing Director of ITER during its Conceptual Design Phase and Director of the DIIID fusion research program at General Atomics.

4153 Etcheverry Hall, MC 1730 (map) University of California
Berkeley, California 94720
510-642-4077

Student Services
agill@berkeley.edu
510-642-5760