The Nuclear Power Technology

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Over the past century, engineering has been playing an important role in various fields and industries to mankind. It’s undeniably to state that the engineering technologies nowadays have truly transformed the way people live. Take for instance, among the greatest inventions in engineering for the past 100 years are the invention of aeroplane, nuclear power technology, transistors, health technologies and of course, the internet.

The very first airplane was built by Sir George Cayley back in 1799. Credit goes to the Wright Brothers for their breakthrough in this aviation industry. Humans are able to travel to all around the world with airplanes whereby it can move people and goods across large distances in a short period. This invention has also changed and improved relationship among each other in particularly family member who has to work overseas causing separation among them which lead to the breakdown of the traditional family structure.

Other than the invention of airplane, the technology of nuclear power has also impact human in many ways such as economics, environment, healthcare issues and others. The basic principle behind this nuclear power technology is that the heat produced by a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction is then used to create a steam pressure that could turn a power generating turbine. It has a high capital costs for building nuclear power plant which requires sophisticated technologies but in low fuel costs. comparisons with other power generation methods is strongly dependent on assumptions about construction timescales and capital financing for nuclear plants as well as the future costs of fossil fuels and renewable as well as for energy storage solutions for intermittent power sources. However, this technology remains controversy whereby the people believe that it poses health threat with its radioactive materials.

Health technology is also one of the greatest inventions in engineering for the past century that has changed the way we live. Health technology is used for diagnosis, treatment and also rehabilitation of illness and disease. Among the invention of this consist of x-ray machines, kidney dialysis machine, artificial heart valve developed and others. With the help of the medical machine, more accurate result can be generated for the doctors to take appropriate treatment. Great health technologies tend to improve quality of life, prolong lifespan and improve the quality and effectiveness of care. It also helps to improve in the quality of healthcare by earlier diagnosis.

Another great invention in engineering is the internet. The internet which was started back in 1960s was used for military purposes. The principle behind is that the information is send through the packet switching. Internet is abided by the protocol of TCP/IP and this technology is widely been used throughout the world. It creates a virtual world without boundary or border whereby through the internet, tons of information and knowledge can he shared anytime, anywhere without hassle. It has also brought convenience and lead people to a higher standard of living nowadays.

Of course, not to mention that the major component of all the digital circuits nowadays which are the transistor is one of the greatest invention to mankind. John Bardeen, Walter Brattain & William Shockley all co-invented the transistor in 1947 at Bell Labs. A transistor is a device composed of semi-conductor materials which are germanium and silicon that can both conduct and insulate transistors switch and modulate electronic current. The transistor was the first device designed to act as both a transmitter, converting sound waves into electronic waves, and resistor, controlling electronic current. Prior to transistors, digital circuits used vacuum tubes which had many disadvantages, they were larger, used more energy, and created more heat.

Section 2: Discussion of Current Issues

Airplane

With the invention of Airplane, human able to travel to almost any corner in this world anytime anywhere they want to nowadays. Besides, student with good academic achievement can further their studies either being sponsored by the government or individually to the overseas easily. As for businesses purposes, the postal as well as courier services deliver mail in just a couple of hours which indirectly save a lot of precious time and money. This also enhances the diplomatic relation between countries by allowing leaders from all over the place to interact more often.

Technology transfer is also one of the major impacts that had given by the invention of airplane. It simply means that the transferring of knowledge and technology from one place to another. Educators, engineers and lecturer can travel to distance area to deliver knowledge and providing benefits for developing countries like Malaysia. Also, the invention jet plane and fighter jet enhance the military defensive system of the country to provide solid protection from invaders take for instance the recent case that happened in Sabah, Malaysia where the land is invaded by a group of terrorists , with airplane the authorities able to send the troops instantly to the frontline. Assistance could be provided to provide catastrophic events in all over the world anytime by transporting volunteering surgical teams to the place where special medication treatments are strongly needed.

Nuclear Power Technology

Nuclear power has gained its popularity throughout the years. It is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity. Based on the statistic, nuclear power plants provided about 5.7% of the world's energy and 13% of the world's electricity. But the technology required to implement this efficiently and safely is very complicated. The fission reaction must be maintained at the correct rate and quickly adjusted or stopped when necessary. Water temperature and pressure must be carefully controlled. Elaborate, redundant cooling systems are needed to guard from time to time against the possibility that the nuclear fuel will overheat causing meltdown. This tragedy had happened recent years in Fukushima, Japan in which the tsunami causing severe melt down on the nuclear plant which was something uncontrollable by the authorities.

One advantage sometimes claimed for indigenous fuels, for fuel- free energy systems or for technologies requiring low volumes of fuel like nuclear power, is that they enhance the security of energy supplies. They can do this mainly by reducing dependence on external fuel sources whose supply could be disrupted by political or other actions. On the other hand, the supply of nuclear fuel is unlikely to be a problem, since reactors are normally refueled only once a year and fuel stockpiles are easy to establish and maintain. A day's supply of uranium fuel implies a small truck compared with several train-loads of coal. Known uranium resources alone could provide all the world's energy requirements for centuries if fuel breeder technology is used.

Health

Technology have been advanced in the past 100 years particularly in medicine field, initially technology is used for treatments and preventing diseases. Today technology used for every aspect of medicine even in collection of patients files, making surgeries and diagnosing diseases. Throughout the years the technology becomes a major part of health industry because it helps and manages in medical field, at the moment most of the medical work done by help of technology such as CAT scanner, Sonar, Gamma knife and microscope. 

The most recent invention in health technologies is a machine that able to keeps human liver alive and functioning outside the body for at least 24 hours. Livers normally kept in the ice to slow down the metabolism for 14 hours before they need to be transplanted. With this device, livers can keep up to 24 hours outside the human body. This allows the transportation of livers from one location to another for long distances that could possibly save a life. Besides, the advancement in health technology can help human in prevention of the diseases such as SARS and H1N1 by using appropriate equipment and solutions.

Internet

The internet is indeed play an important role in our daily routine which could save time and costs. Through the internet, all kind of information can be shared easily in a virtual world. Science development, business skills could easily be found out while surfing on it. Besides, it boosts up the efficiency as well as the quality of working performance. On top of that, news all around the world can be easily obtained anywhere anytime by just surfing the internet. Take for instance, CNN which provides online broadcasting news and also recent news such as Boston Marathon bombing, China’s earthquake with 7.0 degree magnitude, and others in just a short period of time. This allows Non-government organizations or any related bodies to provide aids to the casualties or victims immediately. The internet also creates job opportunity or a business platform for individuals to run their own businesses online or advertising their goods efficiently.

With the internet, things become more convenience as people can share information and news instantly through social media like Facebook, twitter, blogs, or even email. Information can be stored online as well by using application like I-cloud or Dropbox. And of course, transactions can be done online which is something very common nowadays, online banking, online billing , online shopping are all the platforms that people are using daily.

Transistors

Transistors have become the major component in all digital circuits, including computer microprocessors which now contain millions of microscopic size transistors. Transistors made of semiconductors replaced tubes in the construction of computers. By replacing bulky and unreliable vacuum tubes with transistors, computers could now perform the same functions, using less power and space.  The vast majority of transistors now are produced in integrated circuits (often shortened to IC, microchips or simply chips), along with diodes ,resistors, capacitors and other electronic components, to produce complete electronic circuits. The transistor's low cost, flexibility, and reliability have made it a ubiquitous device. Transistorized mechatronic circuits have replaced electromechanical devices in controlling appliances and machinery. With transistors, it enables major electronics companies like Samsung, Apple advance the whole industry to another level which is what we are using daily like smart phones, tablets, personal computer and all that.

Section 3: Case Studies and Discussion

Case 1 : Aeroplane

Rescue in Haiti earthquakes

Earthquake that happened in Haiti on 12 January 2010 with magnitude of 7.0M whereby estimated 3 millions of people were affected.

Victims and casualties need instant help on medical treatment as well as food and water supply.

Due to a large number of casualties and victims were suffering, with their current technology and facilities in Haiti itself was not sufficient to help them.

Thus, they need help from all over the world on all kinds of sources they could provide as in foods, medical treatment, water supply and shelters.

With the invention of aeroplane, related bodies and organization from all over the world could send their rescue team immediately after the disaster happened to the specific site and location to provide assistance.

Foods and water supply can also be sent and supplied to the victims of the disaster by sending them through flight.

Rescue teams from all over the world with medical knowledge and good technology was then assigned and sent to the site to provide appropriate medical treatment which could save thousands of lives.

Severely injured casualties or victims can be evacuated to a safer place or hospital to receive treatments by airplanes.

Live broadcasting or news updates can be done by sending reporters respectively to the site like CNN, The Star, etc to raise awareness and concerns from people all over the world.

Terrorist attack in 911

The aeroplane was being abused for terrorism activities and purposes.

The tragedy happened in 9th September 2001 where a series of terrorism attack carried out by religious extremist upon the capital city of United States which in New York city and Washington, DC.

4 passengers airlines were hijacked which was planned by the terrorists to launch their attack by crashing on the building of World Trade Centre (WTC) in suicide mission.

Two of those planes were crashed into the two tower respectively of WTC which causing both the tower totally collapsed in just 2 hours that killed thousands of people’s life.

Meanwhile, the third plane was crashed into the Pentagon which is the the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense causing a partial damages to the building.

The forth plane was targeted at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its passengers tried to overcome and fight with the hijackers on the plane.

Estimated 3,000 people died in the attacks, including the 227 civilians and 19 hijackers aboard the four planes.

Case 2 : Nuclear Power Plant

Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

Series of the equipment malfunction, nuclear meltdowns and releases of radioactive materials at the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant, following the severe earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011 in Japan.

The circulating coolant water was shut down and unable to function through the nuclear reactor causing the reactor overheated due to high radioactive decay heat produced.

It was too late to prevent the meltdown after the actions had been taken, the reactor fuel rod began to overheat seriously and meltdown eventually causing the radioactive leakage which posed threat to human’s health.

Thousands of villagers nearby evacuated to safer zone to prevent from the expose to the radioactive leakage from the nuclear power plant.

After the incident, various non government organizations and bodies step forward to protest against the usage of nuclear power technology which is very hazardous towards the people and upcoming generations.

Government should consider alternatives of power sources to replace the nuclear power to ensure people health.

Case 3 : Health Technology

Robotic surgeon, Machine replaced doctor

Robotic surgery is surgery that use robotic system to help in surgical treatment or procedures.

 It was developed to solve the limitations of minimally invasive surgery and to enhance the capabilities of surgeons performing open surgery.

The surgery is done with more precision, miniaturization, smaller incisions, decreased blood loss, less pain, and quicker healing time, with these techniques there is a shorter duration of hospital stays, blood loss, transfusions, and use of pain medication.

However, the cost of implementing these robotic surgeon is very high including its maintenance from time to time.

Case 4 : Internet

Rehtaeh Parsons Rape Case

A 17-year-old Canadian girl died Sunday following a suicide attempt due to abuse of the internet.

She was raped by 4 teenager boys and released the images of her.

One of the boys in attendance took a photo of another boy having sex with her and sent it to friends around via the internet.

The images were then went viral to all over the world right after it was posted on the internet.

She was then harassed and disturbed by a lot of people asking for sex and defamed her in the internet through social media websites which in the end put her on the decision on committing suicide.

Case 5 : Transistors

Fundamental in giant electronic industry

There would be no devices from famous electronics company like Samsung, Apple , Sony without the existence of transistors.

It enable engineers to create more convenience and power-saving circuits board rather than the bulky vacuum tube in the older days to replace it in almost every single electronics appliances or devices we can see nowadays.

Computers were once large, occupied space, expensive that only certain organizations or individuals could have owned but this is no longer a problem.

The transistor creates computers smaller, faster and cheaper that they are now widely used on household appliances.

Section 4: Conclusions and Suggestions

The technology and engineering inventions indeed make human life easier, systematic, convenience. A lot of daily routine can be done easily, businesses all around the world are benefited from this and of course, human relationship is drawn closer with the invention like internet whereby people able to communicate with each other no matter where they are anytime. However, ethnical code in engineering must be practiced to ensure that people will not abuse these inventions on illegal practices or terrorism activities like what had happen on 911 in United States which killed thousands of innocent people and also the case that happened on the victim of raping. Inventions are for the sake of better quality of lifestyle so that people could be benefited from it in all aspects like healthcare engineering, technology, telecommunication, logistics and all that. In short, moral values and ethnical code should be cultivated and educated to everyone otherwise it will cause unhappy event to happen once it falls on the wrong people with wrong mindset by using these inventions.