Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear power plants convert the thermal energy released from the fission of the nucleus of an atom into electricity.
The self-sustaining chain reaction of nuclear fission can be controlled using control rods and a water bath as a modulator that slows and absorbs some neutrons; this controls the rate of more fissions.
A cooling system removes heat from the reactor core and transports it to another area of the plant, where the hot coolant can be used to produce electricity.
The emitted water is either sent into cooling towers where it released as condensed water droplets (like a cloud) or is discharged into, lakes, rivers, or oceans.
Nuclear power plants that use heat from nuclear fission reactions rely on one of two reactor types.
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
The more common reactor type is a pressurized water reactor. Pressurize water is pumped to the reactor vessel where it becomes heated. The superheated water passes through the coolant system where steam is generated to drive the turbine.
The less common reactor type is a boiling water reactor. There is no separate coolant system. Rather, the heat from the fission reactions directly heats the cooling waters. Eventually, the water boils producing steam to turn the turbine.