LSU researchers developing sensors to detect nuclear power leaks

2023-04-22 11:06:13 By : Mr. jack peng

LSU engineering researchers are developing sensors that could quickly detect nuclear power leaks with the help of a $500,000 grant from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission—the first grant LSU has received from the agency. 

Though nuclear energy provides more than 20% of U.S. electricity, it’s a controversial power source because of famous leakage disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Fukushima.    Optical Sensor

LSU researchers developing sensors to detect nuclear power leaks

Jyotsna Sharma, a petroleum engineering professor, is leading a team of researchers that includes associate professors of mechanical engineering, geology and geophysics to develop a multifunctional fiber-optic sensor that will immediately detect a radiation leak. 

LSU researchers developing sensors to detect nuclear power leaks

Inductive Proximity Sensor Range Sharma’s team hopes its research will eventually help keep all nuclear power plants safe, including the two in Louisiana that produce 16% of the state’s energy. The 974-megawatt River Bend facility in St. Francisville recently received a license renewal through 2045, while the 1,159-megawatt Waterford 3 unit in Killona received a license renewal through 2044. The  plants, both owned by Entergy, together employ more than 1,500 workers. Read more from LSU.