Now in Nuclear
Molten Salt Reactors
Experimental/Generation IV molten-salt-cooled nuclear reactors (MSRs) run at higher temperatures and lower pressures than do today’s boiling-water/pressurized-water types. MSRs are simpler, smaller, lower in cost, have near-zero radiotoxicity and need no massive containment structures. As designed by Ottawa Valley Research Associates, Ltd. in Canada, they can be used for large–scale, heat-driven industrial processes. Today’s reactors are almost all for power generation.
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Knowledgebase
The North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) guards against U.S. and Canadian electrical blackouts in the electrical grids that comprise the continent’s bulk power system. NERC sets and enforces reliability standards and identifies best practices in planning, power-generation operations, maintenance and training. NERC works with government regulators, utility companies, and managers of 445,000 miles of transmission lines.
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Knowledgebase
The world’s worst nuclear reactor accident—the Chernobyl meltdown—occurred 25 years ago. Cleanup is still underway. Thousands are on the job though no electricity has been generated there since 2000. Exhaustive health studies show little lasting effects among the hundreds of thousands exposed to low-level radiation, though more than 50 died and some are still sick. Also underway: endless arguments about low-level radiation exposure, resurgent wildlife in evacuated areas, and human factors.
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Groups
Promotes the art and science of mechanical engineering in the power generation and energy conversion fields
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Applied Mechanics Division (AMD)
Energy and Technology Management Group (ETMG)
Committee on Power Boilers