VTT Renewable Energy Exchange from District 9500 to District 5710, 2011

Kansa  State  University  offered  up  a  visit  to  their  nuclear  reactor.    We were all keen to visit.  Tom Roberts, Doug's host, was able to organise a visit.  Even more fortunately, the reactor was going to be pulsed while we were there.  This involves withdrawing a fuel rod and creating a brief surge in power from 100 watts to 10,000,000 watts.  The design of the reactor then shuts down the reaction.  From our positions on top of the moon pool we witnessed the rod being withdrawn, the flash of light from the  pulse  and  the  afterglow  and  thermal  circulation  of  the  pool.    This  was  the  523rd  pulse  in  the reactors  50  years  of  operation.   

After the visit to KSU, it was time for us to earn our keep with a presentation to the Manhattan Rotary Club. As we were not able to present to the Konza club, several of their members were in attendance, mostly our hosts. It was also the last chance for them to say goodbye, as it is also a transfer day. We are off to Junction City later today.

Following lunch, we were treated to a tour of the Konza Prairie Research Station, run in conjunction with KSU and owned in part by the Nature Conservancy. Rachel drove us for the tour, a Chod, our docent for the tour provided a wealth of experience and knowledge about the station, the bison, the flora and fauna. The weather was a little rainy, but we got to see a great deal and learn much.   A high-light was the up-close look at the Bison and the young calves. Thanks to Rachel and Chod.

http://www.nature.org/

http://www.konza.ksu.edu/KNZ/default.aspx

Don’t  forget  that  can  log  on  to  the  Team’s  Blog  at  this  address:

http://vttkansas2011.posterous.com/

 Back Row Left-Right Doug Layng (Team Leader), Jon Peters and Nic Jacobson.

 Front Row Left-Right Alida Jansen van Vuuren and Jennie Gater.