Week 5 - Chapter 7 - Hydropower and Nuclear Power Flashcards
(31 cards)
Decommissioning
Process of taking a facility out of service and dismantling it
Decommissioning ensures that the facility is no longer a hazard to the environment or public health.
Remediation
process of cleaning up contaminated sites
Remediation involves various techniques to remove or contain hazardous materials.
Hyrdraulic head
the height of the water column above a given point, influencing water flow
Hydraulic head is critical in determining the potential energy available in hydropower systems.
What type of hydropower system utilizes the natural flow of a river without significant storage?
Run-of-river (ROR) hydropower
ROR systems generate electricity while maintaining river flow and ecosystems.
What nuclear process involves splitting atomic nuclei to release energy?
Fission
Fission is the principle behind most nuclear reactors.
What type of reactors use ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator?
Light water reactors (LWRs)
LWRs are the most common type of nuclear reactors in operation.
What are the components that contain nuclear fuel within a reactor?
Fuel assemblies
Fuel assemblies are designed to optimize the nuclear reaction within the reactor core.
What is the central part of a nuclear reactor where the nuclear reactions occur?
Reactor core
The reactor core contains the fuel assemblies and is critical for the generation of nuclear energy.
What are used to control the rate of nuclear reactions within a reactor?
Control rods
Control rods absorb neutrons and help regulate the fission process.
What term refers to the process of increasing the proportion of fissile isotopes in nuclear fuel?
Enrichment
Enrichment is essential for achieving the necessary conditions for nuclear fission.
What process involves separating usable fuel from spent nuclear material?
Reprocessing
Reprocessing allows for the recovery of fissile materials and reduces waste.
What term refers to the potential risks and concerns associated with the Fukushima disaster?
Fukushima risk
Fukushima risk highlights the need for safety and regulatory oversight in nuclear energy.
What nuclear reaction involves combining atomic nuclei to release energy?
Nuclear fusion
Fusion is the process that powers the sun and has potential for future energy generation.
What is the term for the cost of constructing a nuclear power plant without financing or escalation?
Bare erected cost (BEC)
BEC includes the costs of labor and materials directly associated with construction.
What is the total cost of constructing a nuclear power plant, including financing costs?
Total plant cost (TPC)
TPC provides a comprehensive view of the financial requirements for a nuclear facility.
What represents the total cost incurred for the construction of a plant, including all expenses?
Total overnight cost (TOC)
TOC is an important metric for evaluating project costs and timelines.
What is the term for the total costs actually spent on a project, regardless of budget?
Total as-spent cost (TASC)
TASC reflects the real financial outlay for project completion.
What term describes the risk associated with delays in project completion?
Completion risk
Completion risk can lead to increased costs and project overruns.
What does EPC stand for in the context of construction and project management?
EPC contractor
EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, a common project delivery method.
What term refers to the stage in construction when the project is ready for operations?
Mechanical completion
Mechanical completion indicates that systems are installed and functioning as intended.
What is the final stage of a construction project when it is fully completed?
Final completion
Final completion signifies that all contractual obligations have been fulfilled.
What are penalties imposed for failing to meet contractual deadlines called?
Liquidated damages (LD)
LD are predetermined damages specified in contracts to incentivize timely completion.
What is a financial guarantee provided by a contractor to ensure project performance?
Performance bond
Performance bonds protect the project owner against contractor default.
1. Completion risk
The risk that a project, once construction commences, fails to be completed on time or on budget. Completion risk also covers projects that fail to deliver the expected level of output or require additional inputs at the time of construction.
