Solar energy and conversion, solar radiation, net radiation flux at the Earth, basic principles of energy conversion. Photovoltaic conversion, solar electricity generation, photovoltaic electric principles, photovoltaic system wiring, batteries, photovoltaic controls. Energy supply systems, similation of system performance, photovoltaic power production, sizing photovoltaic systems. Basic nuclear concepts. Basic physical attributes of nuclides; nuclear mass, size, charge, spin and magnetic moment. Nuclear binding, stability and decay. Interaction of radiation with matter. Radioactive-series decay. Charged particle interactions: stopping power, collision and ionization. Radiation loss, range. Neutron interactions: Q-equation and elastic scattering; energy, angular distributions, thermal motions. Gamma interactions: Compton scattering. Detection of nuclear radiation: pulse height spectra. Nuclear processes: nuclear decays; nuclear reactions: energetics and compound nucleus. Principles of nuclear reactors, emphasizing power reactors. Introduction to nuclear power systems. Power plant thermodynamics, reactor heat generation and removal. Thermal-hydraulics. Thermal parameters: definitions and uses. Sources and distribution of thermal loads in nuclear power reactors. Conservation equations and their applications to nuclear power systems: power conversion cycles. Conservation equations and their applications to nuclear power systems: power conversion cycles, contaiment analysis. Thermal analysis of nuclear fuel. Single-phase and two-phase coolant flow and heat transfer. Application of structural mechanics to nuclear systems. Engineering considerations in reactor design. Other issues around nuclear energy; comparison of nuclear and other energy sources, life cycle of nuclear fuel, waste reprocessing, waste storage, proliferation concerns, economics of nuclear power plants, nuclear safety, nuclear accidents.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Define the key concepts in solar physics, nuclear physics and nuclear energy. Apply appropriate models and approximations to derive relationships between physical variables which may be measured experimentally. Apply the principles of solid-state and thermal physics to predicting, describing and explaining the operation of solar panels. Apply the principles of modern physics and engineering to predicting, describing and explaining the operation and characteristics of nuclear reactors. Solve problems, from information given, requiring the calculation of the values of physical variables in solar and nuclear physics.

Discuss the present day reelevance of solar and nuclear energy. Explain the importance of solar and nuclear energy in modern technology. Discuss the history and concerns surrounding nuclear energy.

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