The structure of a nuclear power plant in many respects resembles
to that of a conventional thermal power station, since in both cases the heat
produced in the boiler (or reactor) is transported by some coolant and used to
generate steam. The steam then goes to the blades of a turbine and by rotating it;
the connected generator will produce electric energy. The steam goes to the
condenser, where it condenses, i.e. becomes liquid again. The cooled down water
afterwards gets back to the boiler or reactor or in the case of PWRs to the
steam generator
The great difference between a conventional and
a nuclear power plant is how heat is produced. In a fossil plant, oil, gas or
coal is fired in the boiler, which means that the chemical energy of the fuel
is converted into heat. In a nuclear power plant, however, energy that comes
from fission reactions is utilized.
Several nuclear power plant (NPP) types are used for energy generation
in the world. The different types are usually classified based on the main
features of the reactor applied in them. The most widespread power plant
reactor types are:
1) Light water reactors: both the moderator and
coolant are light water (H2O). To this category belong the
pressurized water reactors (PWR) and boiling water reactors (BWR).
Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR)
Boiling Water Reactors (BWR)
2) Heavy
water reactors (CANDU): both the coolant and moderator are heavy water (D2O).
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR or CANDU)
3) Graphite
moderated reactors: in this category there are gases cooled reactors (GCR) and
light water cooled reactors (RBMK).
Gases Cooled Reactors (GCR)
Light Water Cooled Reactors (RBMK)
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