Context
Railways plans to go nuclear as part of its green drive
About Nuclear-Powered Trains
- Heat Generation: A nuclear reaction generates heat, producing high-pressure steam.
- Steam Turbines: 2 turbines are driven by the steam—
- One powers the train, and
- The other generates electricity for equipment (e.g., air conditioning, lights).
- Portable Reactor Design: The design includes a portable nuclear reactor that heats fluid to produce steam for the turbines.
- Safety Considerations:
- Thorium Reactors: Preferred for their low radiation risk compared to other nuclear materials.
- Safety Features: The reactor design includes features to minimize risks and prevent misuse.
- Potential Benefits:
- Reduced Carbon Emissions
- Energy Efficiency
- Low Infrastructure Requirements: Operate without overhead electric lines
- Extended Range: Long-distance operation without frequent refuelling, beneficial for freight and passenger services on extensive networks.
- Challenges of Nuclear-Powered Trains:
- Radiation Risks
- High Initial Costs
- Technical Complexity: Engineering and maintaining nuclear reactors for moving trains involve complex challenges.
Source:
TH
Previous Year Question
The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons
(b) Increase the speed of neutrons
(c) Cool down the reactor
(d) Stop the nuclear reaction
Answer: (a)
