Chapter 413 Mingzhou Group’s Nuclear Power Plant

Weapons-grade uranium with a concentration of more than 90% can not only be used to make nuclear bombs, but can also be stuffed into nuclear reactors and burned!

Ordinary nuclear power plant reactors are not designed to use this kind of nuclear material. Therefore, even if nuclear warheads are eliminated, they cannot be used for nuclear power plants and can only be scrapped.

What now? This kind of nuclear reactor is specially designed to burn the nuclear materials of retired nuclear bombs.

  If it were to be extracted directly, I don’t know how much it would cost. After all, the nuclear raw materials concentrated to this level would have to be thrown in a centrifuge for who knows how many years. The electricity bill consumed would be an astronomical figure.

  However, if you use obsolete nuclear bombs, it is different. The elimination of nuclear bombs requires funds to be specially processed. Now you can continue to sell them for money. It is definitely killing two birds with one stone!

So, do nuclear warheads have a shelf life?

Of course there is. Although the main components in a nuclear bomb, whether it is uranium 235 or plutonium 239, have a very long half-life, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to detonate if the concentration is not enough. However, a nuclear bomb is not just composed of these things. It also requires other parts.

Those high-precision mechanical and electronic devices, ballistic computers, various electronic components, and other metal and plastic parts, etc., no matter which part has passed the shelf life, it will have an impact on the performance of the nuclear warhead, and even cause the nuclear bomb to fail.

At this time, it needs to be disposed of, either disassembled, inspected and replaced, or directly scrapped. Either way, it will cost a huge amount of money.

 Now, there is a new choice!

 In fact, Qin Tao’s idea also came from later generations.

In order to achieve the same lifespan as nuclear submarines, the reactors of later generations of nuclear submarines will use high-concentration nuclear raw materials. Where do these raw materials come from? Of course, it was directly removed from the scrapped nuclear bomb and used!

The Americans didn't have enough, so they even bought obsolete nuclear bombs from Lao Maozi and disassembled them for use.

Therefore, our own side can also play this way. Even if the domestic ones are not enough, Qin Tao can go to Damao Ermao and get a batch of obsolete nuclear warheads.

Let’s explain the use openly, and we can even ask the other party to process it into uranium rods, so you don’t have to worry. Besides, we are also a nuclear power, so even if we buy weapons-grade enriched uranium from them, there is nothing wrong with it.

Of course, if it can be smuggled, the price will be cheaper, but it has to be kept secret. After all, I don’t know how many eyes are watching.

 Qin Tao was thinking about these things in his mind.

At this time, the conference room was quiet, and everyone was digesting the plan proposed by Qin Tao.

The nuclear reactor was built by the old man Krasnopolski, and there were also many domestic nuclear reactor experts who helped. The current plan was obviously proposed by them together, which shows that it is feasible from a technical point of view.

 However, this thing is not just about technology!

“Mr. Qin, if you want to build a land-based nuclear reactor and use it as a civilian power station, where will the nuclear power plant be built?” Someone asked the question.

Although the domestic environmental protection force is not that strong, many people still turn their noses up at nuclear power plants.

 If a nuclear power plant is to be built, site selection will be very important. If there is no suitable place to accommodate the nuclear power plant, it will definitely not work.

 Where is it established?

The west is the safest, and if we build a nuclear power plant in the desolate and inhabited Gobi Desert, even if something goes wrong, it won't be a big deal.

 However, nuclear power plants must have workers! Where are the students who have graduated from college willing to work? Even a high salary is not enough. How can people fall in love and get a wife? How to go to school after giving birth to a child?

 Furthermore, the electricity generated by nuclear power plants must be transmitted through transmission lines, and the cost of erection is quite high.

 The largest demand for electricity is still in the large cities on the eastern coast. Many places are now in a state of power shortage. However, if you want to build nuclear power plants in such places, you must also consider the reaction of local residents.

“We have a total of three alternative locations.” Qin Tao began to introduce.

"The first one is Chongming Island in Huating. Now, Chongming Island is developing vigorously. Various shipyards need a large amount of power supply. This nuclear power plant is built there and can provide sufficient power. The excess power can also Transmitted to Pudong to provide power to the factories established there.”

At present, Mingzhou Group alone has invested a large amount of money in Pudong to build a modern chip factory. This project is already in full swing. Once completed, it will naturally require a large amount of power supply to replace the already insufficient power supply. Even more stretched.

However, Huating is a first-tier city in China after all. Whether the local residents will resent the establishment of a nuclear power plant here is a big question.

“The second one is near Mingzhou.” Qin Tao proposed the second alternative location.

At present, with the continuous expansion of Mingzhou Group, there are more and more factories in Mingzhou. Even large and small clothing factories consume electricity, not to mention Mingzhou steel plants and shipyards that consume electricity. Big business.

 Mingzhou is not as good as big cities. Once power cuts occur, it is easy to turn off the power grid.

Therefore, if Huating does not accept this nuclear power plant, then build it near Mingzhou. Countless people here have benefited from Mingzhou Group. Even if a few people will oppose it, more people will stand up to defend Mingzhou Group. beneficial.

 Hence, building a nuclear power plant near Mingzhou is a more prudent plan.

 “What about the third one?”

 Everyone is very curious.

"Third, we build a floating nuclear power plant at sea." Qin Tao proposed his new idea: "This kind of nuclear power plant is built on a catamaran. It has its own power and can swim at any time to avoid storm weather. Moreover, our nuclear reactors are originally used on submarines. They can also withstand shaking and other tests on catamarans and generate electricity normally. In this way, if Mingzhou needs power, it can be supplied to Mingzhou, and if Huating needs power, it can be supplied to Huating. If an emergency occurs In the event of an accident, it can still be driven to the open sea without causing danger to nearby cities."

“Mr. Qin, all of us admire your thinking and foresight!” Everyone couldn’t help but admire Qin Tao’s plan.

This is of course not Qin Tao’s idea. Lao Maozi had already built it before he traveled through time. The mobile power bank, nicknamed the Big Sea, was taken to the Arctic Circle by Lao Maozi to supply power to the cities there.

 Nuclear power plants built on land are most afraid of earthquakes, but they are fine at sea and can be moved at any time. This is definitely an innovation.

Now take it out, everyone will of course be impressed by Mr. Qin’s foresight.

Qin Tao had finished explaining his plan and looked at everyone: "Everyone, that's it for the nuclear reactor issue. Do you have any other questions?"

Of course!

“Mr. Qin, what is this 850 mm diameter launch tube used for?”

“Didn’t I say that there are launch tubes for various missiles? They are reserved. When they arrive, special anti-ship missiles can be stuffed into them.”

“Mr. Qin, is the photoelectric mast reliable? Do you want to keep a backup of the periscope?”

“Mr. Qin, we don’t have a side sonar array yet!”

Countless questions were asked one after another, and Qin Tao answered them patiently.

This meeting was originally only planned to last for one morning, but who would have thought that it actually lasted for three days. In the end, the heads of various projects, and even the heads of relevant domestic institutions, were called to participate in the meeting.

 The evening of the third day.

Qin Tao sat in his seat, squinting his eyes and listening to the final discussion.

Now, only the discussion among the navy personnel is left. Qin Tao closed his eyes and rested, waiting for the navy's final conclusion.

 After all, if this project is launched, it will consume a lot of funds, and these funds cannot be provided by the Mingzhou Group.

Kvasa stood aside and asked Qin Tao in a low voice: "Qin, will they agree to our project?"

This month, Kvasa has had a very fulfilling life. Under his hands, one of the most advanced submarines in the world has appeared, even more advanced than his previous 945 submarine! However, this is just a framework and an outline. If it is to be developed next, a high amount of money will definitely be invested.

Now, it’s just waiting for other people to make a decision. Without sufficient funds, it is impossible to build this submarine.

 He also knows the situation of the domestic navy.

Qin Tao smiled: "Of course it will. Now, I still need a final push, so let me push it again."

 Qin Tao stood up.

 “Everyone, I have a few more words.”

 Everyone turned their heads and looked at Qin Tao.

"This submarine requires a lot of research and development and a lot of capital investment. However, we don't have to worry too much. For example, we can transplant the advanced automated command system and bow sonar to conventional submarines. Now , the Pyramid State is preparing to order conventional diesel-electric submarines from the Mingzhou Group, and part of the funds will need to be used to develop these systems. Therefore, it can help the navy share a lot of burdens."

Although the Pyramid State has reached an agreement and decided to use long-staple cotton to pay off debts, Qin Tao does not trust them. He will not start the project without receiving enough long-staple cotton. When a batch of long-staple cotton arrives, submarines will not be handed over to the pyramid country. Therefore, there will be a gap of several years, enough for domestic technicians to use these funds to develop related technologies.

Sure enough, after hearing what Qin Tao said, many people present nodded.

 What they lack most is funds.

 Part of the funds can be allocated to other projects, and some can even use existing 093 submarine projects. However, there are still many projects that require a large amount of funds.

 Qin Tao can be said to have solved part of the funding problem for them.

“As for the time, our plan is five years. After all, the operational testing of nuclear reactors takes such a long time. After five years, I believe that various technologies will be mature.”

  Extended to five years, the annual investment will be within a controllable range, and within five years, the economic strength of the motherland will further increase.

“The project we are currently constructing is still far behind the world’s advanced level. I think it is necessary to start this project.” Huang Lao said.

"Yes, we are already old. Modern advanced nuclear submarines still need new forces." Mr. Peng also spoke.

 Both of them are big guys in nuclear submarines. They both spoke up and accepted their input. So, the naval officers present finally expressed their stance.

"Okay, in that case, let's carry out two projects at the same time." The person in charge sitting on the rostrum finally said: "The 093 project that is being built now cannot be stopped. This is our existing advanced nuclear submarine, Mingzhou Group's This 095 project also needs to carry out preliminary research to prepare for future construction!"

 Finally, the dust has settled. The Mingzhou Group’s 095 project has been recognized by the Navy. When the report is submitted, it will also receive national support!

“As for the establishment and testing of land-based nuclear reactors, it is the top priority of the entire project. After the first day of the meeting, we reported to our superiors. After research, our superiors decided to select the site in Mingzhou.”

 Sure enough, it was similar to Qin Tao’s imagination.

The choices made by the superior leaders are moderate. Whether it is Huating or Haihai, they are a bit radical. It is okay to leave it to Mingzhou and let the Mingzhou Group fiddle around.

"Okay, then we will build it according to the design of the nuclear reactor for submarines. We hope that the relevant domestic departments will cooperate and provide us with relevant parts." Qin Tao said: "The ownership of this nuclear power plant is ours, so we can bear half of it. The remaining half of the construction cost is expected to be allocated accordingly.”

Qin Tao is still satisfied with this arrangement. After all, Mingzhou Group has its own nuclear power plant, so its future development will not be restricted.

In the past, when you needed electricity, you had to go through the power department. Although no one would hinder you behind your back, you had to give some benefits to those people during the holidays.

 There is no need for it now, we generate our own electricity for our own use.

As for the water problem, there is no need to worry about it. The shipyard is next to the river!

 In this way, Mingzhou Group can develop better.

 Looking around the country, how many companies have their own power plants?

 However, the specific location of this nuclear power plant still needs to be considered.

 Next, various resolution documents were formed. Qin Tao did not listen, but was just thinking about the position.

When we took over the sea view house from the developer, we took over all the nearby land. Anyway, it was river beach, wasteland, and no one used it. The price at that time was very low. Now, all this land can be given away. Used.

The nuclear power plant should be built downstream along the river beach, but considering the wind direction, it is more appropriate to build it upstream. So, how to choose?

　　 Got it!

 In the river opposite the shipyard, there are islands. One of them is called Dalieshan, and the one next to it is Xiaolieshan. Both islands are uninhabited, but in the 1970s, there was a brief period of kelp farming. Later, with the rise of shipyards, no one did this anymore, and almost all went to work in shipyards.

 Now, it is just right to build power plants on the mountains. The terrain is very high, so there is no need to worry about floods.

In this case, you need to lay underwater cables to transmit power. However, this is not troublesome. Just throw the cable down. It is more convenient than setting up high-voltage power towers on the ground!

“Our Mingzhou Group plans to build the power station in Dalieshan. Please help with coordination. Also, we hope to send troops to protect it.”

If it is an ordinary private power station, it certainly has nothing to do with the military. However, the Dalieshan Power Station is not just for civilian use. All the technologies used on it are nuclear submarine technologies. Therefore, it also imposes high confidentiality requirements. Require.

Having the army to protect you can also avoid a lot of trouble.

 Hearing Qin Tao's words, the leaders present nodded: "Of course."

 Mingzhou Group will contribute half of the money to help the Navy build land-based nuclear reactors, which will also be of great help to the Navy, so this small favor must be done.

In this way, the nuclear power plant project has been finalized.

“Okay, our meeting has come to a successful conclusion. Do you have any other comments?”

Originally, the host just mentioned it briefly, but the next person raised his hand: "I have a question!"

Qin Tao looked over curiously and saw a familiar figure.

　Ma Ming!

"Speaking."

“I would like to ask, do you plan to use a three-phase generator or a twelve-phase generator for this power station?”

If it is for civilian power generation, it will of course be a three-phase generator. After all, civilian power is three-phase electricity, and even one live wire and one neutral wire are enough.

  However, in the 095 submarine, it is planned to use a twelve-phase generator.

In fact, ordinary nuclear submarines still use the traditional propulsion method. After the energy of the nuclear reactor is released, the high-temperature steam will push the steam turbine to rotate. The steam turbine directly drives the propeller at the tail through the transmission shaft.

Even if you transition to pump propulsion, you can still do it this way, just replace the propeller with a pump jet propeller.

However, the 095 nuclear submarine is beyond the times. Therefore, in this design drawing, the ordinary drive shaft is not used for propulsion. The nuclear power will be used to generate electricity, and then the power will be transmitted to the electric motor at the tail, and the electric motor will be used to drive the water spray. Thruster.

 What are the benefits of this?

 Of course it is to further reduce the noise.

Kilo-class submarines have already done this. After all, for conventional submarines, they must use battery power to sail underwater, and the tail must use an electric motor. Therefore, it is better to directly drive the generator with the diesel engine, eliminating the need to arrange a transmission shaft. .

For nuclear submarines, this is not about taking off your pants. An additional power conversion is performed in the middle, and the drive shaft is removed. This thing is also an important source of noise for the submarine.

Therefore, although integrated electric propulsion has not been proposed, it is just a twelve-phase generator connected to the steam turbine of the nuclear reactor and a twelve-phase motor installed at the rear. That is all, which can be regarded as a great technological progress.

 Now, Ma Ming is a little worried.

If this becomes a civil power supply system on land, can a twelve-phase generator be used? Definitely not! How to connect to the grid to generate electricity?

 The civilians use three-phase electricity, but they have twelve-phase electricity. If they use ordinary three-phase generators, how do they test their special large-scale twelve-phase generators?

At this time, Ma Ming was a little uneasy.

 “This is something Mr. Qin has the final say on.” The host looked at Qin Tao.

Qin Tao looked at Ma Ming: "I'm not proficient in twelve-phase generators. I want to know whether this twelve-phase generator can be understood as four three-phase generators. They emit Are the waveforms the same?”

Ma Ming nodded: "Yes, they are all sinusoidal alternating current. Of course, they can also be connected to direct current."

"In this case, of course we can use a twelve-phase generator." Qin Tao said: "Divide it into four groups of three-phase electricity. Among them, two groups are used by our shipyard, one group is used by the steel plant, and one group is used by the steel plant. Connect to the grid to generate electricity and export it to the outside world.”

Ma Ming was overjoyed: "Thank you, Mr. Qin!"

“We also need to reserve a wiring position so that we can test our twelve-phase motor at any time.”

Ma Ming's heart was filled with excitement.

 Mr. Qin's arrangement helped him a lot.

 Although they have been able to manufacture twelve-phase generators for diesel-electric submarines, how can the power of that thing be compared with that of nuclear submarines?

This 095 nuclear submarine project is crucial to Ma Ming's research project. After receiving the relevant requirements, Ma Ming took his team and spent a month to design the relevant generators. Now he will conduct land experiments. Of course, the generator cannot be left out, and he will be very disappointed if he does not use his generator.

Now, Ma Ming was very excited and looked at Qin Tao with eyes filled with gratitude.

"Gong Ma, generators of our level must be tested, and we are willing to take risks. I also hope that you can continue to work hard. After all, this is just the beginning. In the future, when we want to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier , the required generator power will be greater.”

Although the power of the nuclear reactor is 150 megawatts, the thermal efficiency of the nuclear reactor is not high. The mainstream pressurized water reactor is only about 30%. Therefore, after passing through the steam turbine, the output is only 45 megawatts. In the end It would be good if the power output stably through the generator can be maintained at 40 megawatts.

For ground-based power plants, this power may not be high. After all, the steam from the boiler of a thermal power station can directly drive the steam turbine, but nuclear power plants require two circuits due to radiation problems.

But for ships, this level of power is already incredible. Even a 10,000-ton Aegis battleship can use this power more than enough. You must know that the MT30 gas turbine used on the Queen-class aircraft carrier has an output of The power is only 40 megawatts.

 Qin Tao began to mention nuclear-powered aircraft carriers again. Many people present were not surprised by Qin Tao's remarks. In Mr. Qin's words, everything was wonderful, but they also benefited from it. They also began to imagine the beauty of the future. What would it be like if there were nuclear-powered aircraft carriers?

 Even now that they have decided on this nuclear reactor project, they also have the purpose of considering future nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

 (End of this chapter)