Energy sources research

The neutrons in a research reactor can be used for many types of scientific studies, including basic physics, radiological effects, fundamental biology, analysis of trace elements, material damage, and treatment of disease. Neutrons can also be dedicated to the production of nuclear weapons materials such as plutonium-239 from uranium-238 and tritium, H, from lithium-6. Alternatively, neutrons can be used to produce radioisotopes for medical diagnosis and treatment, for gamma irradiation sources, or for heat energy sources in space. 

The importance of coal as an energy source motivates further research into the combustion characteristics and chemical kinetics of both coal and the material that remains after devolatization, char. Furrher research will aid in making coal a cleaner and more efficient energy source. 

Subsidies represent an often hidden financial benefit that is given to particular energy sources by government institutions in the form of tax credits, research and development (R rD) funding, limits on liability for certain kinds of accidents, military spending to protect Middle East oil supply lines, below-market leasing fees for use of public lands, and other... 

Balabanov et al. [499] found an endothermic effect in the thermographic pattern of the decomposition of niobium hydroxide at 435°C that corresponds to complete removal of water. At the above temperature, amorphous niobium hydroxide also converts into amorphous niobium oxide. Ciystallization of the amorphous oxide occurs at a higher temperature with the release of energy [28]. Researchers [499] reported on another exothermal effect at 549°C that was attributed to the crystallization temperature of amorphous niobium oxide. Decomposition of tantalum hydroxide and its conversion into crystalline tantalum oxide occurs at about 710°C [502] or at 670-700°C according to another source [132]. 

The use of plastics as an energy source was demonstrated on a commercial scale at ICl Materials plastics manufacturing site in Dumfries, UK. This paper covers the preparation and use of pre- and post-consumer plastics as supplementary fuels in a circulating fluidised bed boiler specially designed for co-combustion with coal. Full emissions data on the 15% mixtures of individual plastics with coal are given, together with calculations of thermal efficiencies. Measurements by an independent body (British Coal Research Establishment) confirmed that the co-combustion of coal and plastic reduces some emissions compared with coal alone. Thermal efficiencies of around 80% were achieved and this heat was used effectively during the production of plastics. 7 refs. 

In March 1989, Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons reported their discovery of cold nuclear fusion. They announced that during electrolysis of a solution of hthium hydroxide in heavy water (DjO) with a cathode made of massive palladium, nuclear transformations of deuterium at room temperature can be recorded. This announcement, which promised humankind a new and readily available energy source, was seized upon immediately by the mass media in many countries. Over the following years, research was undertaken worldwide on an unprecedented scale in an effort to verify this finding. 

Over the last few years, the emphasis in research has shifted towards storage technologies that improve the manageability of energy systems or facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. 

Because of the high demand for research into all non-carbon energy sources, international collaboration may well become essential. 

Because SMR is a highly endothermic process, the use of alternative (nonfossil) energy sources would result in a dramatic conservation of NG or other hydrocarbon fuels. From this viewpoint, the possibility of using high-temperature nuclear and solar heat sources has long attracted the interest of researchers. 

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