Title:

Advanced reactors design features promoting nuclear power acceptance and expansion

Speaker:

Dr. Bojan Petrovic

Affiliation:

Georgia Institute of Technology

When:

Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 11:00:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

Boggs Building, Room 3-47

Host:

Dr. Bojan Petrovic
bojan.petrovic@gatech.edu

Abstract

Nuclear power has potential to play a major role in providing clean energy. However, only a few reactors are under construction in the US and EU, and most of these projects are facing significant delays and cost overruns. The situation is better in some regions of the world, but the long-awaited nuclear renaissance is still to occur. Introductory remarks will examine the reasons for this situation and identify advanced reactors design features needed to promote acceptance of nuclear power by general public and enable its deployment and expansion. The talk will then present research performed in Dr. Petrovics group to address these challenges. Several examples of advanced reactors designs will be discussed, in particular the Integral Inherently Safe Light Water Reactor (IsquaredS-LWR). Concluding remarks will examine approaches to expand nuclear power beyond electricity generation.

Biography

Prof. Bojan Petrovic holds Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Penn State. He joined Georgia Tech in 2007 as Professor of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering. His research interests include advanced reactors design, reactor physics, fuel cycle, shielding, and numerical simulations of nuclear systems, with the overarching theme of the role of nuclear power in sustainable development. At Georgia Tech, he was the Lead PI of a DOE NEUP IRP that included 14 national and international organizations and aimed to develop a concept of a novel PWR reactor with enhanced safety, and a Co-PI of another IRP related to advanced salt-cooled reactors. Prior to Georgia Tech, Prof. Petrovic was Fellow Scientist at Westinghouse R&D, where he was the Deputy Director of the IRIS Reactor development project, an international effort with over 20 organizations from over 10 countries. For his contributions he was awarded the 2006 George Westinghouse Corporate-Level Signature Award, the highest Westinghouse Electric Company recognition for technical innovation and excellence. Prof. Petrovic has been elected Fellow of the American Nuclear Society, and International Member of the Croatian National Academy of Engineering. He has authored or coauthored over 300 peer-reviewed publications, 2 patents, and over 100 technical reports.

Notes

Refreshments will be served.