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Abstract: India, which is in the mid latitude region, has extremly hot summers on its plains. In Northern and Central region of the country the maximum day temperature often goes beyond 45°C. The temperature inside the buildings, which generally have horizontal RCC roof, is unbearable without air conditioning. The steep rise in the cost of electricity has driven architects and builders to use passive cooling techniques in the construction. In this paper we examine the present methods that use an insulation layer to reduce the heat flux entering the living space bringing out their merits and demerits. Further we present an innovative approach in roof design that incorporates a layer of fly ash pieces which works as a porous insulation layer. The method has been implemented in a residential building in Delhi (28.380N). The experimental results demonstrate that the layer provides excellent insulation and it also shows structural stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MicroSources and Renewable Energy sources refers to Distributed energy resources(DERs) and MicroGrids refers to a distribution network for electrical energy,starting from electricity generation to its transmission and storage with the ability to respond to dynamic changes on energy supply through co-generation and demand adjustment.Utilising potential of available distributed energy sources, MicroGrids can provide improved electric service reliability and better power quality to end users of electricity at conservative approach which might not be with the MicroGrids (centralized power grids). A worldwide research is going on MicroGrids, its application and control to overcome the weaknesses of the centralized power grids. In India due to power crisis a heavy load shedding has been carried out since last five years as load demand increasing day by day. Presently the concept of MicroGrids has been utilizing in rural areas of countries namely Canada, US, UK, Kenya etc. India is also having rich potential for Distributed energy resources (DERs). In this paper, potential of Distributed energy resources (DERs) in rural areas of Maharashtra state India has been predicted and suggested how application of Microgrids can reduce energy losses, improve power quality, deliver sustained power by Zero Load Shedding Model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The total installed capacity of electric power generating in India is170288MW. The maximum demand during summer is 8000MW, during winter is 5500MW and during monsoon is 7000MW. The power generation is always less than the required demand. The power shortage varies from 2000MW to 4000MW. The gap between the generation and demand is to increase the generation capacity. But in developing country like India, it is not possible to install more capacity instantly. So the other important way to reduce the gap is energy conservation. In this paper it was proposed to implement energy conservation through energy efficiency and energy management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The BSC system of FBTR at Kalpakkam, India, is meant for maintaining the integrity of the concrete that surrounds the reactor vessel. Demineralized water is circulated through the BSC coils that are embedded in the concrete to maintain the concrete temperature below 800C. Water leak of 18 l/h from A3 sub loop of BSC system was first observed In Aug 2000. The chemical sealants required were developed at BARC and the methodology at IGCAR and using this, four leaking sub-loops of BSC system were sealed during 2007-2008 remotely. This paper details the salient features of this remote leak sealing technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Shields around core and blankets form major part of reactor assembly in fast reactors. Among the advanced shield materials considered for use in future FBRs, planned to be constructed in India, Ferro-boron is a cheap and indigenously available material. This paper reports the results of experiments conducted in the south end neutron beam of KAMINI reactor on the fast, epithermal and thermal neutron flux attenuation behaviour of Ferro-boron with different percentages of boron as well as boron carbide. The attenuation factors were found over a thickness of 20-30cm for the measured reaction rates of Pt195 (n,n’) Pt195m, Cd111 (n, n’) Cd111m, Rh103(n,n’) Rh103, In115 (n,n’) In115m, Hf180(n,n’)Hf180m, Cu63 (n,) Cu64, Na23 (n,) Na24, Mn55 (n,) Mn56 and Au197 (n,) Au198 reactions representative of fast, epithermal and thermal neutron fluxes. A comparative analysis with the neutron attenuation behaviour measured in boron carbide powder is also made. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sodium cooled fast breeder reactors constitute the second stage of India''s three -stage nuclear energy programme, for effective utilization of the country''s limited reserves of natural uranium and exploitation of its large reserves of thorium. The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, is a loop type, sodium cooled fast reactor. Its main aim is to provide experience in fast reactor operation, large scale sodium handling and to serve as a test bed for irradiation of fast reactor fuels & materials. FBTR was built on the lines of the French Rapsodie-Fortissimo reactor, with modifications to make it a generating plant. FBTR went critical on 18th Oct 1985 with a small core of 22 fuel subassemblies of a unique, high Pu carbide fuel. The core was rated for 10.5 MWt. The TG was rolled and synchronized to the grid in July 1997. Reactor power was progressively increased by enlarging the core, to reach 18.6 MWt. Several challenges in reactor operation came on the way, which were successfully overcome. A large number of modifications were carried out to improve the plant performance. The reactor coolant used (Sodium) is highly reactive when exposed to atmosphere and also becomes highly active on exposure to neutron radiation. These properties of sodium make it essential to handle it carefully and safely within a leak tight containment. During course of operation of the reactor, a number of sodium laden components viz. pumps, valves, cold traps, Rupture discs, level probes, shielding plugs, control rod drive mechanisms, experimental assemblies, piping etc. are required to be removed for various maintenance, modification and replacement jobs. This paper details the experience with operation and maintenance of India''s only one fast reactor power station. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Presently the installed capacity of electricity generation in India is 160 GWe. The integrated ene rgy policy aims at an installed capacity of 778 GWe by 2031-32 to achieve per capita electricity consumption of 2700 kWh/year as against the 700 kWh/year. The share of nuclear power in India is around 3% presently. The increase in installed capacity is possible by increasing the share of nuclear power. India has opted for a unique three-stage power programme based on closed nuclear fuel cycle, which provides a multiplier effect through breeding. Consequent to the 123 agreement and clearance from Nuclear Supplier‟s Group (NSG) for international cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, the reactor technology options are wide open. Some of the technologies which are being pursued are: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) fueled with domestic Natural Uranium (NU), PHWRs fueled with imported Natural Uranium/Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU), Light Water Reactors (LWRs) procured from abroad using imported Lightly Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel, PHWRs with Reprocessed Uranium (RU) obtained from reprocessing spent fuel of LWRs, indigenous Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using MOX/metallic fuel. The increase in the share of nuclear power through above technologies require setting up of fuel fabrication facilities such as: new PHWR Fuel Fabrication with indigenous sources, joint collaboration with foreign countries for fabricating fuel for imported LWRs, setting up PHWR fuel fabrication facilities with SEU/RU under international safeguards, setting up of enrichment and fuel fab rication facilities for indigenous PWRs and a series of fast reactor fuel fabrication facilities for fabricating fuel for FBRs. In addition to fuel fabrication facilities, facilities for manufacturing zirconium alloy and stainless steel structurals, tubes and components are also required to be set up. The paper gives in detail the emerging nuclear fuel fabrication activities in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Materials play very crucial role for a safe, reliable and economic operation of nuclear power plants. Materials used in nuclear reactors encounter hostile environment and aggressive media during service, and are expected to retain their structural and metallurgical integrity over a long period of use. The major challenges are the effect of radiation on embrittlement, creep, erosion, corrosion, radiation induced growth, swelling, stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement and radioactivity build up. In order to realize a high degree of reliabilit y and at the same time meet the imposing challenges, material specification and acceptance criteria are extremely stringent and the products have to undergo a detailed testing and characterization prior to their use. To ensure the conformance to the specification, processes need to be developed which involves melting the alloy with stringent chemistry control, optimizing thermo-mechanical treatment and modifying heat treatment schedule suitably to achieve mechanical properties. A typical nuclear power plant makes use of nuclear fuel materials such as uranium, structural materials such as zirconium alloys, stainless steels, nickel base alloys as well as low alloy and carbon steels. The paper outlines processing methodologies and gives an overview of some of the structural materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Charged particle accelerators were originally conceived and developed to explore the mysteries of atom in particular and to understand the structure of matter in general. Starting their journey since birth about 75 years ago, they have led to several discoveries, remarkable technological devolvement and useful applications in various walks of human life. Accelerators have evolved in various shapes and sizes, namely, electrostatic accelerators, linear accelerators, cyclotrons, synchrotrons, betatrons, storage rings, colliders etc. They have played fundamental role in our understanding about atom and nucleus, nuclear structure, sub-nuclear particles, fundamental forces, etc. In this paper role of accelerators in research and applications will be described with a particular emphasis on the accelerator programmes in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A laboratory scale facility has been set up for fabrication of test fuel pins through sol-gel route for irradiation in FBTR, Kalpakkam. The facility is a train of glove boxes fitted with master slave manipulators for carrying out various operations involved in the fuel fabricat ion process. The paper describes the design features of the equipment and mechanisms for automation, developed for microsphere production and other processes. The design features include control system and vision systems for man- machine interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]