David Webbe-Wood – författare

Fusion energy has now emerged as one of the most disruptive technology opportunities, attracting the attention of risk-tolerant investors and large amounts of private capital. This book examines the emergence of nuclear fusion technology as a commercial proposition, grounded in both technological opportunities and high-technology business development. The book introduces a broad range of possible commercial fusion technologies and various pathways to commercialization are described.While the prospect of grid-scale fusion electricity is a major motivator, it is not the only, nor the easiest, path to first commercialization. Reflecting the background of the editorial team, the book has a particular focus on developments in Japan and the UK – two leading fusion nations. A such, it gives weight to developments in these two countries at the forefront of fusion innovation but the book has a global outlook and developments elsewhere, especially in the United States, are also considered.The scientific and technical basis of fusion is introduced sufficient to appreciate the range of innovation in the sector and to illustrate why fusion is attracting billions of dollars of private sector investment. The relationship of private sector firms to state-funded research laboratories is discussed as both help drive the technology forward to deployment.Various business models for fusion technology are explored, from the monetization of fast fusion neutrons through to the generation of baseload grid-scale electricity. The book helps the reader appreciate the diversity of fusion innovation and hence separate the hype from the reality.

This open access book considers the role of uncertainty in the design and development of large-scale engineering systems. The focus of the book is the safe behaviour of nuclear power plants in both routine operations and in incident situations. The book introduces various types of uncertainty and addresses the extent to which uncertainties may be reduced. The role of multiple dimensions of uncertainty is discussed, as is the importance of modern computational techniques in handling large data sets. Modern IT also provides engineers with new tools, such as digital twins with the potential to greatly reduce cost both in design and in operations. The book focuses on both system safety and efficiency and, to do this, reference is made to the Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR). The AGR is a mature established system through which the book elucidates various key concepts and ideas.  As well as being of interest to those working in the nuclear industry, the book is likely to appeal to those working in other safety critical engineering sectors and, for example, reference is made to experiences in aviation and railway engineering. This is neither a text book nor a review, it is a primer for those seeking an introduction to modern approaches to uncertainty.