University students develop battery model that can be produced from nuclear waste

A study was initiated within the university to evaluate nuclear waste and raise awareness about nuclear energy .

The project team, consisting of an academician and two nuclear energy engineering students, working within the framework of the "Nuclear Energy Based Sustainable Solutions Project" implemented within this scope, first modeled the external structure and internal components of the battery by making use of various software programs.

Later, students obtained data using simulation programs to evaluate the environmental impact of radiation that the battery could emit in a laboratory environment. Using this data, they calculated the interaction of radiation with the materials to be used in the production of the battery and determined what type of protective shields should be used against it.

Having completed the design and safety stages of the battery with their work, the students are preparing to share their nuclear battery project, modeled with a longer lifespan, with the world of science and entrepreneurship at the Robotex competition to be held in Estonia on December 6-7.

THE PROJECT WAS FIRST IN THE "GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP" CATEGORY

Sinop University Digital Transformation Office Lecturer Süleyman Burçin Şüyun, who coordinates the project, told AA that they, as a university, have been working on recycling nuclear energy waste for about a year.

Şüyun, who explained that thanks to the students' determined and persevering work and the support provided by the university administration, they managed to model a battery that could be produced from nuclear waste, said that their project won first place in the "green entrepreneurship" category at the Turkey leg of the Robotex competition held in Antalya.

Emphasizing that their current goal is to bring first place to Turkey and their university in the competition to be held in Estonia, Şüyun said, "If our students and I are lucky, we will take part in this competition to be held in Estonia on December 6-7. We will be there to represent our country, raise awareness on nuclear energy and create a start for such projects. Our hope and goal is to bring success to our country and university."

LONGER LASTING BATTERIES DESIGNED

Sinop University Nuclear Energy Engineering 4th year student Burak Sarıçiçek said that batteries produced from nuclear waste have a much longer lifespan compared to other batteries.

Sarıçiçek stated that they will contribute to recycling as well as pioneering the production of long-lasting batteries with the model they developed, and said:

"With the project, we are not only transforming our nuclear waste into environmentally friendly batteries, but also making our batteries last longer. In this way, we are drawing attention to the fact that it is possible to produce batteries that will be used for longer periods in many areas, especially in the defense industry, while protecting our environment and human health."

Rabia Gültekin, a second-year student in Nuclear Energy Engineering, also expressed her happiness to be involved in the project and expressed her belief that they will achieve successful results in Estonia. (AA) This content was published by Enes Çırtlık