thorium breeder

简明释义

钍增殖反应堆

英英释义

例句

1.The development of the thorium breeder reactor is seen as a potential solution to long-term energy sustainability.

开发钍增殖反应堆被视为长期能源可持续性的潜在解决方案。

2.The safety features of a thorium breeder make it an attractive option for future nuclear power plants.

由于安全特性，钍增殖反应堆成为未来核电厂的一个有吸引力的选择。

3.Countries with large reserves of thorium are investing in thorium breeders to enhance their energy independence.

拥有大量钍储备的国家正在投资于钍增殖反应堆以增强其能源独立性。

4.Using a thorium breeder can significantly reduce the amount of nuclear waste produced.

使用钍增殖反应堆可以显著减少产生的核废料数量。

5.Many researchers are studying the efficiency of the thorium breeder in producing more fuel than it consumes.

许多研究人员正在研究钍增殖反应堆在生产比消耗更多燃料方面的效率。

作文

The quest for sustainable and clean energy sources has led scientists to explore various nuclear technologies, one of which is the concept of a thorium breeder. A thorium breeder is a type of nuclear reactor that uses thorium as its fuel. Unlike conventional uranium-based reactors, thorium breeders have the potential to produce more fissile material than they consume. This characteristic makes them particularly interesting in the context of future energy needs and environmental concerns.Thorium is abundant in nature and can be found in many parts of the world. It is estimated that there is about three to four times more thorium available than uranium, making it a promising alternative for nuclear energy production. When thorium-232 is exposed to neutrons, it can be converted into uranium-233, which is fissile and can sustain a nuclear reaction. This process is what gives thorium breeders their name; they 'breed' new fuel while generating energy.One of the significant advantages of thorium breeders is their safety profile. Traditional nuclear reactors, particularly those using uranium, have been associated with issues such as meltdowns and long-lived radioactive waste. In contrast, thorium breeders operate at lower pressures and temperatures, significantly reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. Additionally, the waste produced from thorium reactors is generally less hazardous and has a shorter half-life compared to that of uranium reactors.Moreover, thorium breeders contribute to the reduction of nuclear proliferation risks. Since the byproducts of thorium fuel cycles do not include plutonium, which can be used in nuclear weapons, thorium breeders present a safer option in terms of global security. This aspect is crucial as nations around the world strive to manage nuclear technology responsibly while still pursuing energy independence.Despite these advantages, the development and implementation of thorium breeders face several challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the lack of infrastructure and technology for thorium fuel cycle management. Most existing nuclear facilities are designed for uranium, and transitioning to thorium would require significant investment and research. Furthermore, the initial costs of building thorium breeder reactors may deter investors, especially when compared to more established technologies.Another challenge is public perception. Nuclear energy, in general, has faced skepticism due to past accidents and concerns about safety. Educating the public about the benefits and safety of thorium breeders will be essential for gaining acceptance and support for their development.In conclusion, the thorium breeder represents a promising avenue for the future of nuclear energy. Its potential for sustainability, safety, and reduced waste makes it an attractive option in the ongoing search for clean energy solutions. As research continues and technology advances, thorium breeders could play a pivotal role in meeting global energy demands while addressing environmental concerns. The transition to a thorium-based nuclear future may not be immediate, but the groundwork laid today could lead to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy landscape tomorrow.

对可持续和清洁能源来源的追求使科学家们探索各种核技术，其中之一就是钍增殖反应堆的概念。钍增殖反应堆是一种使用钍作为燃料的核反应堆。与传统的以铀为基础的反应堆不同，钍增殖反应堆有可能产生比其消耗更多的裂变材料。这一特性使它们在未来能源需求和环境问题的背景下特别引人关注。钍在自然界中丰富，世界许多地方都可以找到。估计钍的储量约是铀的三到四倍，使其成为核能生产的有前景的替代品。当钍-232暴露于中子时，它可以转化为铀-233，而铀-233是裂变的，可以维持核反应。这一过程就是给钍增殖反应堆命名的原因；它们在产生能量的同时“增殖”新的燃料。钍增殖反应堆的一个显著优势是它们的安全性。传统的核反应堆，特别是使用铀的反应堆，常常与熔毁和长期放射性废物等问题相关。相比之下，钍增殖反应堆在较低的压力和温度下运行，显著降低了灾难性故障的风险。此外，钍反应堆产生的废物通常比铀反应堆的废物危害性更小，半衰期也较短。此外，钍增殖反应堆有助于降低核扩散风险。由于钍燃料循环的副产品不包括可用于核武器的钚，钍增殖反应堆在全球安全方面呈现出更安全的选项。这一点至关重要，因为世界各国都在努力负责任地管理核技术，同时追求能源独立。尽管有这些优势，钍增殖反应堆的发展和实施面临几个挑战。主要障碍之一是缺乏钍燃料循环管理的基础设施和技术。大多数现有的核设施都是为铀设计的，过渡到钍将需要重大投资和研究。此外，建设钍增殖反应堆的初始成本可能会让投资者却步，尤其是与更成熟的技术相比。另一个挑战是公众的看法。核能普遍面临怀疑，原因在于过去的事故和对安全的担忧。教育公众关于钍增殖反应堆的好处和安全性将对获得接受和支持其发展的必要。总之，钍增殖反应堆代表了核能未来的一个有希望的方向。其在可持续性、安全性和减少废物方面的潜力使其成为寻找清洁能源解决方案的一个有吸引力的选择。随着研究的继续和技术的进步，钍增殖反应堆可能在满足全球能源需求的同时解决环境问题方面发挥关键作用。过渡到基于钍的核能未来可能不会立即实现，但今天奠定的基础可能会为明天创造一个更清洁、更安全和更可持续的能源格局。