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 Urban

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's  fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building  (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous  Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in  Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant  advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App