Unit 16 Energy Sources

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 446.

A: Well, what do you want to know about energy generation?

B: We hear so much these days about different fuels and processes. We are told that nuclear power is more efficient than conventional fossil fuels. And we know that fossil fuels are limited. How can we compare the efficiency of the different fuels and processes?

A: Well, first of all, what types of fuel do you know?

B: Conventional fossil fuels — that is, oil, gas and coal — and nuclear fuels — that is, uranium and plutonium.

A: Right, and what processes do we use?

B: Well, I know that there are different nuclear reactors and different conventional

processes.

A: Well, let's imagine a bucket of fuel.

B: What exactly do you mean? How much does a bucket hold?

a: Let's say a bucket holds 10 kilograms.

B: So how long does a bucket last?

a: Well now, that depends on the type of fuel and the type of process. And let's look at a 2 million kilowatt power station.

B: How many megawatts does that make?

A: 2 million kilowatts make 2000 megawatts. OK?

B:OK. So which fuel produces the most energy?

A: Well, that's nuclear fuel.

B. And which process does it use?

A: It uses the most efficient nuclear process, which converts all the matter in this fuel into energy.

B: So how long will it last?

a: Well, you may be surprised when I tell you that it will last eight and a half years. In fact you will be very surprised if you compare it with a hydrogen fusion reactor.

B:How long does a bucket of fuel last using that process?

A: Only 2 weeks.

B: Only 2 weeks. That's certainly an incredible difference.

A: And there's more to come.

B: What do you mean?

A: Well, the next process is a fast reactor.

B: Yes. When will that need more fuel?

A: After just a week. And now we come on to natural uranium.

B: And when will that fuel stop producing energy?

A: After 3 days. Now let's look at conventional fossil fuels, shall we? How long do you think a bucket of oil will last?

B: One hour?

A:Well .. . nearly. In fact it will last one eighteenth of a second! And the same goes for coal.

B: So which country today produces most electricity using nuclear energy?

A: Well, in Europe, France is top and then West Germany.