IIT Jodhpur emphasises on cooling power in nuclear power plants safety
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

IIT Jodhpur emphasises on cooling power in nuclear power plants safety

In light of historical nuclear disasters, a team of international researchers led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has recognised the importance of cooling power sources for the safety of nuclear power plants. They have proposed the use of offshore wind farms as seismically resilient alternative power sources. The researchers demonstrated the viability of this approach by utilising sustainable wind power to enhance the reliability of cooling power at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Chennai.

The proposed methodology, outlined in an article published in the journal Nuclear Engineering and Design, consists of several stages. It begins with estimating the coolant power requirements of nuclear reactors, followed by designing an offshore wind turbine and its associated infrastructure. Subsequently, a seismic safety evaluation is conducted for the chosen offshore wind turbine site, considering various scenario levels.

The team of researchers, which includes experts from the University of Surrey in the UK, Tsinghua University, and the Institute of Engineering Mechanics in China, suggests the implementation of a 15 MW offshore wind farm with three NREL 5 MW turbines supported by monopile foundations in the Kalpakkam area. This setup could serve as an additional emergency backup power source to meet the cooling power needs of existing nuclear power plants.

The monopile foundation of the offshore wind turbines is analysed under anticipated dynamic loading conditions, taking into account soil nonlinearity and seismic liquefaction using advanced numerical models. The results of the nonlinear integrated seismic analyses indicate that the proposed offshore wind turbines exhibit satisfactory seismic performance when comparing the monopile mudline displacements and bending moments.

Dr Pradeep Kumar Dammala, Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, emphasised the significance of enhancing the safety of nuclear structures in India due to the country's pursuit of nuclear energy development and the presence of seismic and tsunami threats in close proximity. He stated that the suggested approach presented an excellent framework for evaluating the seismic resilience of nuclear power plants and integrating wind energy sources during interconnected events like earthquakes and tsunamis.

India has seven Nuclear Power Plants, with five situated in seismically active zones III and IV, and three located in coastal areas susceptible to hazards such as tsunamis and cyclones. The Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, which houses two 220 MW FBRs, serves as an example of a nuclear power plant in a vulnerable area.

Also Read
Government of Himachal Pradesh invites tenders for Civil Works
PVVNL invites bids for electrical works in Moradabad Zone


In light of historical nuclear disasters, a team of international researchers led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has recognised the importance of cooling power sources for the safety of nuclear power plants. They have proposed the use of offshore wind farms as seismically resilient alternative power sources. The researchers demonstrated the viability of this approach by utilising sustainable wind power to enhance the reliability of cooling power at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Chennai. The proposed methodology, outlined in an article published in the journal Nuclear Engineering and Design, consists of several stages. It begins with estimating the coolant power requirements of nuclear reactors, followed by designing an offshore wind turbine and its associated infrastructure. Subsequently, a seismic safety evaluation is conducted for the chosen offshore wind turbine site, considering various scenario levels. The team of researchers, which includes experts from the University of Surrey in the UK, Tsinghua University, and the Institute of Engineering Mechanics in China, suggests the implementation of a 15 MW offshore wind farm with three NREL 5 MW turbines supported by monopile foundations in the Kalpakkam area. This setup could serve as an additional emergency backup power source to meet the cooling power needs of existing nuclear power plants. The monopile foundation of the offshore wind turbines is analysed under anticipated dynamic loading conditions, taking into account soil nonlinearity and seismic liquefaction using advanced numerical models. The results of the nonlinear integrated seismic analyses indicate that the proposed offshore wind turbines exhibit satisfactory seismic performance when comparing the monopile mudline displacements and bending moments. Dr Pradeep Kumar Dammala, Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, emphasised the significance of enhancing the safety of nuclear structures in India due to the country's pursuit of nuclear energy development and the presence of seismic and tsunami threats in close proximity. He stated that the suggested approach presented an excellent framework for evaluating the seismic resilience of nuclear power plants and integrating wind energy sources during interconnected events like earthquakes and tsunamis. India has seven Nuclear Power Plants, with five situated in seismically active zones III and IV, and three located in coastal areas susceptible to hazards such as tsunamis and cyclones. The Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, which houses two 220 MW FBRs, serves as an example of a nuclear power plant in a vulnerable area. Also Read Government of Himachal Pradesh invites tenders for Civil WorksPVVNL invites bids for electrical works in Moradabad Zone

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon to Build Guwahati Ring Road on BOT Toll Model

Ahmedabad-based Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon (DRA Infracon) has secured the 121 km Guwahati Ring Road project in Assam under the build, operate, and transfer (BOT) toll model. The company emerged as the lowest bidder for the Rs 49 billion project, committing to construct the highway without any grant from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).This marks NHAI’s first fully private-funded highway project in nearly three years. The Rs 52.79 billion Guwahati Ring Road project includes a three-km bridge on the Brahmaputra, with the company recovering its investment through toll coll..

Next Story
Real Estate

Aditya Birla Real Estate Sells Pulp & Paper Unit to ITC for Rs 34.98 Bn

Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (ABREL) has announced the sale of its Pulp and Paper plant in Lalkuan, Uttarakhand, to ITC Limited for Rs 34.98 Bn, marking a strategic move to sharpen its focus on core real estate operations. The transaction, structured as a lump sum payment, remains subject to legal and regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and shareholder consent. For this deal, JM Financial Limited acted as financial advisor, while AZ & Partners provided legal counsel to ABREL. With this divestment, ABREL reaffirms its commitment to rea..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Hyderabad to Get 24 New Link Roads in Rs 4.87 Bn Project

The Hyderabad Road Development Corporation Limited (HRDCL) has commenced work on the first phase of its ambitious link road construction project across the city. With an estimated budget of Rs 4.87 billion, this phase includes 24 key link roads aimed at decongesting traffic and improving connectivity. Among the planned projects, HRDCL is constructing a crucial link road from Raj Bhavan Road to the R&B Guest House near Begumpet Railway Station, as well as another connecting Begumpet Railway Station, Prakashnagar, and the Brahmanwadi railway track. Residents in high-density areas like Prakashn..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?