Concept of Nuclear power plants and Uranium

Concept of Nuclear power plants and Uranium

-         Natural uranium contains 0.7% U 235. Uranium with an increased concentration of U 235 is called enriched uranium.

-         Nuclear weapons require uranium enriched to 90% or more U 235. Fuel used in nuclear power plants use Uranium enriched to 3-5% U-235.

-         U235 is the only isotope that is found in nature which can be fissioned by thermal neutrons.

-         Natural Uranium has 99.284% 238U isotope and 235U constitutes 0.711% of its weight.

-         Percentage composition of U235 is increased through isotope separation.

-         Highly enriched uranium is mostly produced for nuclear weapons, naval propulsion and a small quantity for nuclear power plants out of the total 2000 Tonnes.

      -     Depleted Uranium: 238 U remaining after enrichment. It is less radioactive than natural uranium.   Presently 5% in use for armor penetrating weapons as it is highly dense.

Facts about Hydroelectric Power plants

Facts about Hydroelectric Power plants:

- It generates 24%of world's electricity
- Approximately 2000 hydroelectric power plants operating in United States
- Turbine that is most often used in hydroelectric power plants is Francis Turbine.
- More the water flow and head, more will be electricity generated.
- Hoover dam in USA generates 2000 MW consisting of 17 generators each generating 133 MW at Nevada, Arizona.
- Biggest hydroelectric power plant is Itaipu power plant jointly owned by Brazil and Paraguay. It produces 12,600 MW. Second largest hydroelectric power plant is Guri power plant at Caroni river Venezuela generating 10,300 MW.
- Largest hydroelectric power plant in USA is Grand Coulee at Columbia river in Washington. It can produce 7,600 MW.