Basic Engineering of a Nuclear Reactor
Overview:
The nuclear reactor is where the nuclear reaction chain and fission of heavy isotopes is initiated and contained. The most common use of a nuclear reactor is to supply energy in the form of electricity. These reactors utilize uranium, a radioactive element that is abundant within the Earth and sea water, to fuel the chain reaction. The nuclear reactor’s core is the heart of the power plant, and it reaches high temperatures as a result of the massive amounts of energy released during fission. As heat is generated, the coolants pump water to lower the temperature and moderators moderate the total amount of energy within the core. Heat cooled by the coolants produces steam which operates turbines and ultimately generates electricity. As nuclear fission induces radioactivity, a protective shield stands idle around the reactor core, containing the environmentally detrimental radiation. Lastly, a concrete dome encases the reactor to protect the environment from internal radiation and the reactor from external influences.
The nuclear reactor is where the nuclear reaction chain and fission of heavy isotopes is initiated and contained. The most common use of a nuclear reactor is to supply energy in the form of electricity. These reactors utilize uranium, a radioactive element that is abundant within the Earth and sea water, to fuel the chain reaction. The nuclear reactor’s core is the heart of the power plant, and it reaches high temperatures as a result of the massive amounts of energy released during fission. As heat is generated, the coolants pump water to lower the temperature and moderators moderate the total amount of energy within the core. Heat cooled by the coolants produces steam which operates turbines and ultimately generates electricity. As nuclear fission induces radioactivity, a protective shield stands idle around the reactor core, containing the environmentally detrimental radiation. Lastly, a concrete dome encases the reactor to protect the environment from internal radiation and the reactor from external influences.
Fuel. Uranium is the most commonly used element in a nuclear reactor. This highly radioactive (and thus unstable) substance is modified into hundreds of pellets forming tubes of fuel rods that are held in the reactor's core.
Moderator. The moderator material slows down the emitted neutrons in order to induce high rates of nuclear fission (see previous page for details). Generally speaking, the most common substances used are water, heavy water, and graphite.
Control Rods. Neutron-absorbing materials such as hafnium, boron, or cadmium are inserted into the core to control the reaction rate. They are given the ability to speed, stop, and slow down the production of energy.
Moderator. The moderator material slows down the emitted neutrons in order to induce high rates of nuclear fission (see previous page for details). Generally speaking, the most common substances used are water, heavy water, and graphite.
Control Rods. Neutron-absorbing materials such as hafnium, boron, or cadmium are inserted into the core to control the reaction rate. They are given the ability to speed, stop, and slow down the production of energy.
Steam Turbine. The purpose of a steam turbine is to convert steam into mechanical energy. The engine house, structured away from the reactor, contains the steam turbine. It is aligned to prevent shrapnel and projectiles from destroying the turbine during operation. The turbine is usually used as a control room since boiling water reactors can potentially discharge toxic water into the steam turbine.
Generator. Via the generator, the steam entering the turbine is converted into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy through various processes.
Cooling System. The cooling system moderates the thermal energy released within the reactor core and transfers it to another section of the plant where it is exploited to produce electrical energy.
Generator. Via the generator, the steam entering the turbine is converted into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy through various processes.
Cooling System. The cooling system moderates the thermal energy released within the reactor core and transfers it to another section of the plant where it is exploited to produce electrical energy.
Safety Valves. In the event of an emergency, safety valves are used to prevent the pipes from bursting and thus prevent meltdowns. Steam is directed into a chamber and condensed into water.
Feed-Water Pump. The feed-water system, which controls the water level in the steam generator and the nuclear reactor, has the task of transporting the condensed water to either the steam generator (in a pressurized water reactor) or directly into the reactor (in a boiling water reactor).
Emergency Power Supplies. Almost all nuclear plants mandate two distinct sources offsite the power feeding station that are separated and can receive power from multiple transmission lines. But sometimes, even with two offsite power sources, total loss of electricity is still possible. Therefore, nuclear power plants are equipped with emergency power supplies to maintain safety. Batteries can be used to provide constant power for vital components of the reactor.
Feed-Water Pump. The feed-water system, which controls the water level in the steam generator and the nuclear reactor, has the task of transporting the condensed water to either the steam generator (in a pressurized water reactor) or directly into the reactor (in a boiling water reactor).
Emergency Power Supplies. Almost all nuclear plants mandate two distinct sources offsite the power feeding station that are separated and can receive power from multiple transmission lines. But sometimes, even with two offsite power sources, total loss of electricity is still possible. Therefore, nuclear power plants are equipped with emergency power supplies to maintain safety. Batteries can be used to provide constant power for vital components of the reactor.
A video explanation of how the most common nuclear reactors operate to generate electricity.