Analysis of wind field data surrounding nuclear power plants to improve the effectiveness of public protective measures

After a nuclear power plant (NPP) accident, it would be helpful to predict the movement of the radioactive plume emitted from the NPP as accurately as possible to protect the nearby population. Radioactive plumes are mainly affected by wind direction and speed. Since it is difficult to identify the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNuclear engineering and technology Vol. 55; no. 10; pp. 3599 - 3616
Main Authors Choi, Jin Sik, Kim, Jae Wook, Joo, Han Young, Lee, Jeong Yeon, Lee, Chae Hyun, Moon, Joo Hyun
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023
한국원자력학회
Subjects
Evacuation
Nuclear power plant accident
Radioactive plume
Wind data
Wind field
원자력공학
Nuclear power plant accident
Wind data
Wind field
Evacuation
Radioactive plume
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ISSN1738-5733
2234-358X
DOI10.1016/j.net.2023.06.025

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Summary:After a nuclear power plant (NPP) accident, it would be helpful to predict the movement of the radioactive plume emitted from the NPP as accurately as possible to protect the nearby population. Radioactive plumes are mainly affected by wind direction and speed. Since it is difficult to identify the wind direction and speed immediately after the accident, a good understanding of the historical wind data could save many lives and ensure smoother evacuation procedures. In this study, wind data for the past 10 years are analyzed for the five NPPs in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The analyzed data include wind direction and wind speed from 2012 to 2021. In particular, the characteristics of the wind field blowing from the NPPs to the nearest densely populated regions are examined. Finally, suggestions to improve evacuation plans are made.
ISSN:1738-5733
2234-358X
DOI:10.1016/j.net.2023.06.025