Course - Nuclear powered ships - FENA2330
Nuclear powered ships
New from the academic year 2026/2027
About
About the course
Course content
The course provides an introduction to the design and operation of nuclear power plants, with a focus on maritime applications. Topics include:
- Description of different types of nuclear reactors, Generation IV
- Implementation of nuclear power in ships
- Energy system analysis, thermodynamic processes, thermal energy storage, energy efficiency
- Thermal design of a nuclear power plant
- Radiation, protection, detectors
- Safety and requirements for the design, construction, and operation of a nuclear power plant.
- Production and use of fuels, as well as treatment and disposal of radioactive waste.
- Sustainability analysis
- Previous nuclear accidents: Causes and consequences
- Investment analysis
Learning outcome
Through the course, the student will acquire analytical skills and knowledge of terminology, definitions, and legislation, which can be used to:
- Describe the main principles of various nuclear power plants and understand how they work, including advantages and disadvantages wrt. safety.
- Analyse the thermodynamic processes and thermal efficiency of a given plant, and use this knowledge to design a small reactor to be installed on a ship for the production of electricity and heat.
- Understand how various nuclear fuels are produced, how they work, reprocessed, and deposited.
- Analyse the safety performance of nuclear reactors and power plants with a focus on maritime applications.
- Assess the sustainability of a given maritime nuclear power plant
- Be able to participate in discussions with peers and understand professional literature
Learning methods and activities
The learning activities will be a combination of lectures and student-centered learning activities.
Obligatory activites: Exercises and practical activities.
Some of the teaching activities may be taught in English.
Compulsory assignments
- Mandatory exercises and activities
Further on evaluation
Compulsory math exercises and practical activities. 80% of each category must be approved to take the exam.
In the event of a postponed exam, the assessment method may be changed to oral.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Renewable Energy - Engineering (BIFOREN)
Recommended previous knowledge
FENA1011 Thermodynamics
Course materials
To be announced at the beginning of the course.
Subject areas
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Multiphase Flow