How is nuclear reactor work

The reaction rate of this chain reaction corresponds to the nominal thermal power. Typical reactor nominal thermal power is about MW, but the heat produced must be continuously removed from the core. Hot coolant goes to hot legs and is then pumped via main coolant pumps into steam generators. This pressurized steam is then routed into the steam turbine , in which steam expands from pressures about 6 MPa to pressures about 0.

The reactor coolant from steam generator primary side is pumped back into the core through the cold leg and the process is repeated. A control rod is removed from or inserted into the reactor core in order to increase or decrease the thermal power. Example — How to Change Power of Nuclear Reactor During any power increase the temperature , pressure , or void fraction change and the reactivity of the core changes accordingly. This heat can then be used to generate steam, which drives turbines for electricity production.

In order to ensure the nuclear reaction takes place at the right speed, reactors have systems that accelerate, slow or shut down the nuclear reaction, and the heat it produces.

This is normally done with control rods, which typically are made out of neutron-absorbing materials such as silver and boron. Two examples of nuclear fissioning of uranium, the most commonly used fuel in nuclear reactors. Nuclear reactors come in many different shapes and sizes — some use water to cool their cores, whilst others use gas or liquid metal.

Further information on the many different types of reactor around the world can be found in the Nuclear Power Reactors section of the Information Library. Nuclear reactors are very reliable at generating electricity, capable of running for 24 hours a day for many months, if not years, without interruption, whatever the weather or season.

Additionally, most nuclear reactors can operate for very long periods of time — over 60 years in many cases. A number of different materials can be used to fuel a reactor, but most commonly uranium is used.

Uranium is abundant, and can be found in many places around the world, including in the oceans. Nuclear reactors are the heart of a nuclear power plant. Nuclear Fission Creates Heat The main job of a reactor is to house and control nuclear fission —a process where atoms split and release energy.

Fission and Fusion: What is the Difference? There are two types of light-water reactors operating in America. Pressurized water reactors. Graphic by Sarah Harman U. Department of Energy. The core water cycles back to the reactor to be reheated and the process is repeated.

Boiling Water Reactors. The unused steam is then condensed back to water and reused in the heating process.