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Boiling Water Reactors

In a typical boiling water reactor the reactor core creates heat and a single loop both delivers steam to the turbine and returns water to the reactor core to cool it. The cooling water is force-circulated by electrically powered pumps. Emergency cooling water is supplied by other pumps, which can be powered by onsite diesel generators. Other safety systems, such as the containment building air coolers, also need electric power. See also our animated diagram.

 

Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)

 



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Tuesday, February 13, 2007