From May 17 to 21, 2015, the annual ICONE23 conference (23rd International Conference on Nuclear Engineering) took place in Chiba, Japan, where numerous technical presentations on current topics in research, development, and applications in nuclear energy were given. In addition, representatives from industry and politics discussed and debated the significant role of nuclear energy in addressing global energy challenges and reducing CO2 emissions during several plenary sessions.
’s Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology (IPM)
the “ ”
Sebastian Schmidt presented the latest research results on the topic “Validation of an Innovative Core State Diagnosis System for Severe Accidents in PWRs Using an Experimental Rig” as part of the “Student Paper Competition” lecture series. The work is being carried out in collaboration with TU Dresden as part of a joint research project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research . Both presentations generated significant interest in the auditoriums and during subsequent discussions with other participants at the conference, as the content of the presentations contributes significantly to the safer operation of nuclear power plants. Mr. Sebastian Schmidt was also honored
with the “Student Best Paper Award” for the second consecutive year at the “” for his contribution
Photo: Presentation of the “Student Best Paper Award”; from left: Prof. Dr. Suyuan Yu, Prof. Dr. Shripad Revankar, Dr. Asif Arastu (Conference Chair), M.Eng. Sebastian Schmidt, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Wolfgang Hansen, Prof. Dr. Tomio Okawa
For some conference participants, the final day of the conference featured a full-day “Technical Tour” to visit the “Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry” and the “Japan Atomic Energy Agency.” At the “Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry,” participants toured various large-scale test facilities, including those used to study the effects of tsunamis on nuclear facilities and to design earthquake-resistant nuclear power plants. At the “Japan Atomic Energy Agency,” participants had the exceptional and unique opportunity to tour one of the world’s only Generation IV nuclear reactors currently in operation for research purposes. This newest type of nuclear reactor, known as a high-temperature reactor (HTR), is used not only for electricity generation but also for providing process heat (approx. 1,000 °C), which significantly improves efficiency compared to existing nuclear power plants. Another important aspect is that the physical operating principle of HTRs makes a core meltdown impossible.
Participation in the 23rd International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE) was extremely informative and successful for professional development as well as for the projects being worked on by the participating staff. Furthermore, through the presentations and numerous discussions with other international participants during the conference, the Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology, as well as Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, were brought further into the spotlight of internationally renowned companies and universities, thereby promoting future projects and collaborations.
Photo: International participants in the “Technical Tour”
Contact:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch
Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology (IPM)
Email:
a.kratzsch(at)hszg.de
Phone: 03583 61-1383