Nuclear Energy, Running The Nation

Bismillahirahmanirrahim
Assalammualaikum wbt.

Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions that release nuclear energy to generate heat which most frequently is then used in steam turbines to produce electricity in a nuclear power plant. Just as many conventional thermal power stations generate electricity by harnessing the thermal energy released from burning fossil fuels, nuclear power plants convert the energy released from the nucleus of an atom via nuclear fission that takes place in a nuclear reactor. The heat is removed from the reactor core by a cooling system that uses the heat to generate steam which drives a steam turbine connected to a generator producing electricity.

ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

Produce Less Pollution:

Nuclear power release fewer greenhouse gases. It has the least effect on nature since it doesn’t discharge any gases like methane and carbon dioxide which are primary causes of greenhouse emissions. There are no specific impact on water, land or any territories because of the application of nuclear power, except in times where transportation is utilized.

Dependable:

It is estimated that with the current rate of consumption of uranium, it will last for another 70-80 years. It can run uninterrupted for even a year. As solar and wind energy are depending on weather conditions, nuclear power plant has no such constraints and can run without disruption in any climatic condition.

More Proficient Than Fossil Fuels:

Numbers of nuclear energy innovations have made it much more practical choice than others. Nuclear energy has higher energy density than fossil fuels. Nuclear power requires less fuel as compared to other power plants. Energy released by nuclear fission is approximately ten million times greater than the amount of energy released by fossil fuel atom.

DISADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

Environmental Impact:

Although it create least greenhouse gases, the process of mining and refining uranium hasn’t been a clean process. Transporting nuclear fuel to and from plants represents a pollution hazard. Also, once the fuel is used, you can’t simply take it to the landfill because it is radioactive and dangerous.

Nuclear Accidents:

The radioactive waste produced can pose serious health effects on the lives of people as well as the environment. Although the casualties were not that high but it caused serious environmental concerns. If leaks happen, the radioactive byproduct of nuclear energy is toxic and can cause cancer, blood disease and bone decay.

High Cost:

Despite the low maintenance costs of nuclear power plants, a substantial amount of investment is needed to build these plants.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Nuclear Fission:

The process of splitting a nucleus is called nuclear fission. Uranium or plutonium isotopes are normally used as the fuel in nuclear reactors because their atoms have relatively large nuclei that are easy to split especially when hit by neutrons. When a uranium or plutonium nucleus is hit by a neutron the nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei which are radioactive and some energy is released. The additional neutrons released may also hit other uranium or plutonium nuclei and cause them to split. Even more neutrons are then released which in turn can split more nuclei. This is called a chain reaction, the chain reaction in nuclear reactors is controlled to stop it from going too fast.

I'm nuclear,I'm dangerous. Handle me with care!

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Time To Use It, Tidal Energy

Bismillahirahmannirahim
Assalammualakum wbt.

Tidal energy is a form of hydro-power that converts the energy obtained from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity. It is not yet widely used but it has potential for future electricity generation because it is more predictable than the wind and the sun.

ADVANTAGES OF TIDAL ENERGY

1. Predictable Energy Source:

Large amount of water moves in predictable patterns. This make it easier to harness the energy that generated by the tides because we can predict the tides as far as years ahead

2. Inexhaustible Source of Energy:
Tides will never run out anytime soon. they are controlled by the gravitational pull between the Earth, Sun and Moon. This means that as long as our Earth is being orbited by the Moon, the tides will continue to be there to produce energy and generate electricity

3. 100% Green:

There are zero carbon emissions used while producing electricity from tidal energy, making it an energy source that doesn't negatively affect the global environment. By the way, tidal energy can last for a very long time. Tidal energy plants are very simple and made of durable and simple materials that can withstand the time very well

DISADVANTAGES OF TIDAL ENERGY

1. Limited Locations:
There are very few ocean shores that are suitable for the construction of a tidal energy. Research has shown that only around 20 areas in the entire world would work to harness tidal energy.

2. High Construction Costs:

Expensive equipment are necessary to build a tidal energy plant. For your information, it is projected that tidal power will be commercially profitable within 2020 with better technology and larger scales.

3. Marine Life Effects:

The mounting of the turbines could greatly interrupt the habitats of marine life. It also will prevent natural movements of species.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIDAL ENERGY

Tidal Barrage:

These work rather like a hydro-electric scheme, except that the dam is much bigger. a huge barrage is built across a river estuary. When the tide goes in and out, the water flows through tunnels in the dam. The ebb and the flow of the tides can be used to turn a turbine or it can be used to push air through a pipe which then turns a turbine. Large lock gates like the ones used on canals, allow ships to pass.

Tidal Stream Generator:

This machine extracts kinetic energy from moving masses of water, tides in particular. These machines look like underwater wind turbines called as well,tidal turbines moved by the masses of water which move during the tide.

Dynamic Tidal Power:

This is a new and untested method of tidal power generation. It would involve creating large dam-like structure extending from the coast straight to the ocean with a perpendicular barrier at the far end, forming a large 'T' shape.

Renewable energy,better future

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Why We Should Be More Energy Efficient? (2/2)

Bismillahirahmanirrahim
Assalammualaikum wbt.

Click here if you haven't read the first part yet >>> Why We Should Be More Energy Efficient? (1/2)

Positive Impact in Society:

You may think that conserving energy is only for yourself and will go unnoticed. The truth is when your neighbours realize your low monthly utility bills, they will be curious to know what steps you are taking. They will want reduce their overall utility bills as well so that they will follow your example. When this chain continues, more people in the community will be involved in energy conservation which is good for the future of our community.

Gives Researchers More Time to Formula Solutions and Alternatives:

Energy conservation gives researchers more time to go into deep research, which takes years to establish solutions and alternatives to energy sources that are projected to deplete. While fossil fuels are projected to deplete, prudent use of energy will allow fossil fuels to last long enough for substantial solutions to be discovered  

Reduces Habitat Destruction:

Conserving energy without a doubt will assist to reduce habitat destruction. The fossil fuels extracted to produces power originate from somewhere and that somewhere is a home for certain animal and plant species. Mining in these habitats leads to transfer of wildlife and human populations. Some mines even involve clearing large chunks of forests which is natural home for wildlife.

Personal Benefits:

The personal benefits of conserving energy involve your own body. You can reduce the use of fossil fuels by cycling instead of driving your car or reducing the use of energy-intensive cleaning appliances. Cycling means exercising more and this enhances your fitness level, hence, keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. Exercising also makes you feel and look better.

Enhances The Value of Your Home:

Most people buy homes in anticipation of selling later at a profit. One way of beefing up the value of your home is installing water conservation systems like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and installing water saving toilet and shower. Aside from saving your money at the end of the month,  it will be attractive to prospective home buyers, leading to quick sale when you decide to put it on the market.

A Clean Future for Your Kids:

We all want our children and grandchildren to grow up healthy. This is only possible with a clean environment. If we want a better environment for our children and grandchildren then minimizing global warming by conserving energy is the best way. 

Live green. Save green

Feel free to drop your question in the comment section below. I'll try my best to answer it inshaallah. Thanks for visiting this blog. Don't forget to share it okay? Articles will be posted every four days. Stay up-to-date with it.

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